Project Title: Cavitation-augmented perfusion in Peripheral Arterial Disease
Industry Partner: Mindray
Overview: Diabetes UK reported a significant (22.4%) rise in diabetes-related minor lower limb amputations in England, between 2015 and 2018. It is estimated that at least £1 in every £140 of NHS spending goes towards foot care for people with diabetes1.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) occurs due to a build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) within the lower extremity arteries, restricting blood flow and circulation, particularly to the feet. PAD is a major and increasing risk factor for diabetic patients, closely associated with lower extremity amputations2.
Ultrasound contrast agents are suspensions of stabilised microbubbles, originally developed for intra-vascular injection to provide contrast during diagnostic ultrasound imaging. In recent decades, research seeking to exploit contrast agent microbubbles as cavitation nuclei for interventional/therapeutic purposes, such as blood-clot dissolution for the treatment of Ischemic Stroke (sonothrombolysis), has intensified3. The ultrasound stimulated microbubble oscillations (cavitation) are thought to microvascular obstructions and promote reperfusion4.
This project will seek to develop cavitation-augmented perfusion for the treatment of PAD, that may ultimately be deployed and administered at home by the patient.
Key Objectives:
Transducer design and fabrication for novel ultrasound exposure configurations.
Development of in-vitro models for mechanistic investigation and parameter optimisation.
Fabrication and testing of customised cavitation nuclei particles, including contrast agent microbubbles and acoustic vaporisation nanodroplets.
Preliminary translational studies in small animal models for validation.
Pre-requisite skills / skills to be learnt during the course of PhD:
Transducer fabrication, nucleation particle fabrication, cavitation characterisation, translational research.
If you have an outline PhD Research Plan, please include, but not necessary at this time.
The following research and technical activities will be pursued to achieve the main aims of this PhD work:
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted through the University of Glasgow online application system with a cover letter, CV, two references and your transcript/degree certificate. When applying to this project, please insert the project name in to the “proposed thesis title” section and add “Prof Sandy Cochran” as the supervisor for the application.
Application deadline: 20th July 2022
For enquiries, please email [Email Address Removed]
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