Our research group offers throughout dissertations, doctoral and master theses in basic clinically oriented research on vascular disorders such as aortic aneurysm, ischemic stroke caused by unstable carotid plaques and peripheral arterial disease pathophysiology, focusing on the diseased tissue characterisation and the role of epigenetics and non-coding RNAs.
If you are interested in our research, please, contact:
Jaroslav Pelisek, Prof. Dr. rer. nat.
Head Experimental Vascular Surgery
University Hospital Zurich, USZ
Department of Vascular Surgery
Wagistrasse 2
8952 Schlieren
Aortic aneurysms are frequently diagnosed especially in men aged 65 and older, smokers and people with high blood pressure and can occur in all sections of the aorta, but particularly in the abdominal region. Since aneurysm remains most time asymptomatic, it leads in case of rupture to death of the affected individuals >80%. Accordingly, persons with aneurysm should undergo regular surveillance and a therapeutic intervention should be for aneurysms 5.0 cm in diameter or greater. There are still limited options for other treatments and the diameter is insufficient as an indicator for intervention because smaller aneurysms may rupture as well and larger aneurysms may remain stable.
Therefore, the aim of the master thesis is to familiarise the students with the pathological processes in the aortic wall. For this purpose, aneurysm specimens obtained after open surgery collected in our vascular biobank are histologically examined and compared with healthy aortas. Furthermore, the students will experience other molecular-biological techniques used in analyses of human tissue.
The master thesis in our research group should show the student also the daily routine in the lab in order to arouse a potential interest in science and research.
Number of candidates: 1
Research area: Experimental Vascular Surgery
Institution: Department of Vascular Surgery, Laboratories: 8952 Schlieren, Wagistrasse 18
Start of the master thesis: on appointment
Application: jaroslav.pelisek@usz.ch
Despite decades of intensive research in the field of cardiovascular disease, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of the development and progression of atherosclerosis have not yet been fully elucidated. In particular, biological processes leading to vulnerable/instable atherosclerotic plaques and, in the case of carotid arteries frequently causing ischemic cerebral events, are unclear.
Therefore, the aim of the master thesis is to familiarise students the pathological processes around atheroslerosis. For this purpose, atherosclerotic plaques from peripheral vessels (carotid artery, iliac/femoral artery) obtained after open surgery, collected in our vascular biobank, are histologically examined and characterised and classified according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Furthermore, the students will experience other molecular-biological techniques used in analyses of human tissue.
The master thesis in our research group should show the student also the daily routine in the lab and wake a potential interest in science and research.
Number of candidates: 1
Research area: Experimental Vascular Surgery
Institution: Department of Vascular Surgery, Laboratories: 8952 Schlieren, Wagistrasse 18
Start of the master thesis: on appointment
Application: jaroslav.pelisek@usz.ch