The research group at the Department of Angiology aims to establish new drug and interventional strategies for the treatment and aftercare of angiologic patients. We examine venous thromboembolism and its complications as well as arterial and lymphatic vascular diseases such as peripheral arterial occlusive disease. In addition, we have initiated observational studies to evaluate the effect and compliance of lipid-lowering therapies. From a clinical perspective, the expansion of research areas beyond traditional specialties to include phlebology and lymphology has been increased.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which manifests clinically as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or acute pulmonary embolism (PE), is the third most common acute cardiovascular disease after myocardial infarction and stroke.
Venous research at the USZ Angiology Department is concerned with establishing new methods for the prevention and interventional treatment of deep vein thrombosis, post-thrombotic syndrome and acute pulmonary embolism. Our research includes multinational randomized clinical trials, prospective management studies, epidemiological analyses and practice-based observational studies. Registry research serves to investigate the spread and causes of diseases as well as clinical patterns for their clarification and treatment.
Professor Dr. med. Nils Kucher and Prof. Dr. med. Ph.D. Stefano Barco serve as experts and members in international guidelines and consensus documents on the treatment of venous thromboembolism.
Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) in the legs or upper extremities is characterized by a narrowing or blockage of the vessels that transport blood from the heart to the legs.
It is mainly caused by atherosclerosis – an accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries. PAD can occur in any blood vessel, but is more common in the legs than in the arms.
Our research on arterial diseases (arteries) focuses on the establishment of innovative interventional treatments for PAD. The efficacy and safety of these novel treatments are being investigated through participation in industry studies and our own investigator-initiated trials.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that occurs when the vein wall and/or valves in the veins do not function effectively, making it difficult for blood to return from the legs to the heart.
CVI can occur after an episode of deep vein thrombosis: In this case, it is referred to as “post-thrombotic syndrome” (PTS). It is assumed that a combination of reflux due to venous valve insufficiency and venous hypertension due to thrombotic obstruction underlies the pathophysiology of post-thrombotic syndrome.
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a condition that causes chronic pain in the pelvic area. The condition is thought to be due to problems with the enlarged or insufficient veins in the pelvic area and is considered a form of CVI.
Lipid-lowering therapies, particularly with statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs, are a key measure for reducing cardiovascular risk. Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can slow the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
Rare vascular diseases are often difficult to diagnose and treat, as they rarely occur in the general population and require specialized expertise. The size of the University Hospital Zurich and the associated access to large patient cohorts enables us to research these rare diseases. Our aim is to improve the care of affected patients and to gain new insights into these rare diseases.