Vascular surgery
An aortic aneurysm during open surgical repair exposure. Photo: Thomas Troëng
The vascular surgery research group in Uppsala focuses on issues related to the most important vascular surgical diseases.
The vascular surgery research group in Uppsala
The Vascular Surgery Research Group in Uppsala conducts broad and internationally recognized research in vascular diseases, with a particular focus on the major vascular disorders associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The research spans the entire spectrum from prevention and population-based screening to advanced open and endovascular interventions, long-term outcomes, rehabilitation, and quality of life.
The group combines classical clinical and epidemiological research methodologies with translational and basic science approaches. Research activities include large randomized clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, national and international registry-based studies, as well as experimental and translational projects with a strong integration between laboratory research and clinical practice.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm. 3D image created from an X-ray image by Kevin Mani.
The research group consists of approximately 20 PhD students and postdoctoral researchers and is supported by a well-established research infrastructure, including a dedicated research unit with six full-time research nurses. Research is conducted in close collaboration with national and international academic networks, universities, and specialist centers throughout Europe and North America. The group has extensive experience in coordinating multicenter studies and international collaborations and has played a central role in the development of several European and international clinical practice guidelines in vascular surgery.
A key objective of the group is to translate scientific discoveries into improved clinical care and more individualized treatment strategies for patients with vascular disease.
Research Areas
Research is particularly focused on the following areas:
- Aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection - Research includes translational science, epidemiology, screening, medical therapy, and open and endovascular treatment of aortic disease. The group is leading several major research projects and clinical trials, including: UpVASC, MAAAGI trial, AURORA trial, SUNDAY trial
- Peripheral arterial disease - Research focuses on atherosclerotic disease affecting the arteries of the lower extremities and abdominal vasculature, including prevention, medical management, endovascular and surgical treatment, amputation, and rehabilitation.
- Complex venous disease - Studies focus on advanced chronic venous insufficiency, venous leg ulcers, and post-thrombotic syndrome, with particular emphasis on diagnostics, pathophysiology, and advanced interventional treatment.
- Hereditary connective tissue disorders with vascular fragility - Research focuses on genetic connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, Loeys–Dietz syndrome, and vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (vEDS), as well as other conditions associated with increased risk of vascular complications. EVICTUS study
- Vascular and vascular graft infections - Research includes vascular and endograft infections, focusing on diagnostics, surgical and endovascular treatment strategies, antimicrobial therapy, and long-term outcomes. GRANDPA registry
- Cardiovascular and aortic screening - Research focuses on population-based screening for aneurysms and cardiovascular disease, risk prediction, and early preventive strategies. UpAAA, U-SCREEN, U-SCREEN HF