| Description: |
Dr. Lessner’s research focuses on biomechanical stress-induced remodeling and failure
mechanics of arteries in both normal aging and in multiple pathological conditions,
including atherosclerotic plaque rupture, aortic aneurysm, hypertension, and peripheral
arterial disease. Research in the Lessner lab aims to understand both biomechanical
and biological factors leading to pathological blood vessel failure. We collaborate
with several faculty in Mechanical Engineering to identify material parameters of
normal and diseased arterial tissue, and to perform computational simulations of vascular
remodeling and arterial failure. Dr. Lessner is currently co-investigator on a project
that seeks to develop a novel, non-surgical approach to treat calcified vessels in
peripheral arterial disease using EDTA-loaded nanoparticles. She also has expertise
in analyzing clinical imaging data, focusing in particular on analysis of vascular
calcification in computed tomographic angiograms(CTAs). She currently collaborates
with several faculty in the Dept. of Surgery on studies aimed to improve risk stratification
in patients with peripheral arterial disease. |