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Downstate’s Key Role in Study to Improve Care for Aortic Dissection

By Office of the President | Dec 3, 2024

Panos Kougias

Panos Kougias, M.D.

Downstate is a significant participant in the $12 million NIH-funded IMPROVE-AD clinical trial, a breakthrough study focused on advancing care for uncomplicated Type B aortic dissection. Under the national co-leadership of Panos Kougias, M.D., Chair of the Department of Surgery, this research aims to redefine treatment approaches for a condition that significantly affects underrepresented populations.

In collaboration with Duke University and the University of Texas Health Science Center, the trial will evaluate two common treatment strategies: thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), a minimally invasive procedure, and medical management with careful monitoring. With its focus on closing gaps in care—especially for women and racially and ethnically diverse groups often excluded from clinical research—IMPROVE-AD is positioned to reshape the treatment of critical vascular conditions.

This research addresses more than just clinical outcomes for many in Downstate’s community whose residents face barriers like limited access to preventive care and language differences that can delay early detection and treatment of conditions like aortic dissection. By studying the effectiveness of TEVAR and medical management, this trial seeks to develop personalized care models that consider the social and economic realities of Brooklyn’s diverse communities.

Heart and vascular diseases disproportionately impact racial minorities, and Downstate’s role in this trial ensures that solutions are grounded in the real-world needs of those who are often underserved. The study provides an opportunity to deliver cutting-edge care, reaffirms Downstate’s commitment to advancing equity in health outcomes, and could provide a roadmap for personalizing care and addressing the inequities that leave so many at risk.

Downstate’s involvement in IMPROVE-AD underscores its commitment to combining advanced science with compassionate care. With Dr. Kougias’s leadership, the institution remains at the forefront of research that advances treatment and ensures life-saving care reaches those most in need.