Research & Presentations

Division of Vascular Surgery Research Updates

Advancing AAA Treatment with the Nectero EAST System

One clinical trial in which the University of Rochester is leading the way is the stAAAble (NCT06001918) FDA Phase II/III Clinical trial of the Nectero EAST (Endovascular Aneurysm Stabilization Treatment) system to treat infrarenal aneurysms below surgical thresholds. stAAAble aims to determine the efficacy of pentagalloyl glucose (PGG) delivered directly into the aneurysmal wall using a percutaneously delivered occlusion balloon, followed by PPG delivery using a weeping balloon. First-in-man data reported a 73% reduction in growth rate at 3 years, with an average growth of only 1.22 mm/year, far below the historical average of 2.86 mm/year. This first-in-man data suggests that the average time to surgical repair could be delayed by twice to three times the current expected average time to repair.

URMC has distinguished itself in this trial, ranking among the top five enrollers nationally. They recently set a national record by consenting seven patients in a single day. Two medical students, Rebecca A Skolnick (De Montfort University MD’29) and Devan Girish (University of Missouri-Kansas City MD’29), who completed summer internships in the Cardiovascular Engineering Laboratory at URMC under the mentorship of Doran Mix (MD’13 Res’19), helped facilitate this achievement. Ms. Skolnick also received the 2026 Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation Student Research Fellowship.

At the most recent investigators' meeting, Dr. Mix highlighted URMC's innovative strategy: establishing a dedicated, clinical-trials-specific clinic. This unique approach lets patients participate in clinical trials without the typical demands of standard clinical operations, streamlining the process, improving access, and increasing patient satisfaction.

Uncovering the Role of the Microbiome in Vascular Disease

Our vascular surgery research program continues to advance our understanding of the relationship between the human microbiome, inflammation, and vascular disease, with a particular focus on abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Our recent work has identified distinct differences in the oral microbiome of patients with AAA compared with patients with other forms of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. These findings suggest that specific bacterial communities and their products may contribute to the inflammatory processes underlying aneurysm development. Building on these discoveries, we are expanding our research to investigate how bacteria and bacterial-derived extracellular vesicles interact with the immune system and vascular tissues. By integrating advanced genomic sequencing, single-cell technologies, immune profiling, and other laboratory techniques, we hope to better understand the mechanisms driving aneurysm formation and identify opportunities for earlier diagnosis and novel therapeutic approaches.

The continued growth of this research program has been made possible in part through generous support, including the Ouriel Professorship, the DeWeese Fund, and the Vascular Research Fellowship Fund. These resources, supported by contributions from many vascular surgery alumni, provide essential funding to pursue innovative research questions, generate preliminary data, and train the next generation of vascular surgeon-scientists. The preliminary data have led to two extramural pilot grants from the John C. Sable Memorial Fund and the Eastern Vascular Society. This support has been instrumental in helping translate early observations into a broader, multidisciplinary research initiative and laying the groundwork for future competitive federal research funding. We are deeply grateful to our alumni and benefactors for their ongoing investment in vascular research, education, and scientific discovery at the University of Rochester.

Eastern Vascular Society (EVS)

• ">Joshua Geiger (PGY4): "Fibrin-Associated Diffuse B-Cell Lymphoma After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Can Mimic a Mycotic Aneurysm"

VEITHsymposium

• Mario Matabele (Research): “Surgical Site Infections: QAPI to lower SSI rates in amputation and bypass surgeries”

Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Society (VESS)

• Mario Matabele (Research): “Volume Adjusted Calcium Analysis Of Aortoiliac Atherosclerosis As A Predictor Of Amputation Free Survival"
• Rujul Kumar (MS3): “Volume Adjusted Calcium Analysis Of Aortoiliac Atherosclerosis As A Predictor Of Amputation Free Survival"

ACS Surgical Simulation Summit

• Irina Kanzafarova (PGY4): "The Sequential Use of Cadaveric Material for Various Surgical Specialty Trainees"

Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery (SCVS)

• Mario Matabele (Research): “Association Of Duplex Ultrasound Peak Ankle Velocities With Ischemic Complications And Mortality In Patients On Peripheral VA-ECMO"

Veith International Society/Ascher Residents & Fellows

• Max Zhu (PGY2): "Telehealth Visits Can Improve Follow-up for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Monitoring"

Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM/SVS)

• Max Zhu (PGY2): "Telehealth Visits Can Improve Follow-up for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Monitoring"
• Mario Matabele (Research): “Surgical Site Infections: QAPI to lower SSI rates in amputation and bypass surgeries”