Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) awarded The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center a $143,461 Project Grant (CFDA 93.837 – Cardiovascular Diseases Research) for the period of April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2028. The award supports high-resolution phenotyping research investigating the hemodynamic consequences of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in adults with descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). The research will comprehensively assess how graft material stiffness affects aortic hemodynamics and end-organ function in the heart, brain, and kidneys at both rest and during exercise—an area lacking prior comprehensive investigation.

The project deliverables include detailed hemodynamic and end-organ evaluations employing advanced assessment methodologies to measure pressure, wave reflections, pulsatility, and functional consequences following descending TAA repair. This research addresses a critical gap in understanding the long-term vascular and pathological remodeling consequences of TEVAR, with findings intended to inform clinical approaches to minimizing adverse end-organ effects associated with aortic graft placement. The work will be performed at UT Southwestern's Dallas, Texas facility and contributes to the NHLBI's mission of advancing prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases through clinical and translational research.