Led by Erik Hauck, MD, the lab is engaged in several research projects that involve a multidisciplinary team spanning neurosurgery and vascular surgery. We work closely with the Duke Vivarium on experiments to further the technology.

Stents provide support to narrowed or weakened arteries, but they are thrombogenic (causing blood clots). As a result, people who receive stents must often use dual antiplatelet therapy—aspirin and Plavix—to reduce the risk of clots. However, antiplatelet therapies increase the risk of bleeding. The work of the Hauck Lab is focused on finding less thrombogenic stents, to first reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications and second reduce the risk of bleeding secondary to the dual antiplatelet therapy.

Research Projects

Our research has a three-fold focus:

• Stent design – We are redesigning stents to improve the way the fabric is woven to reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Stent material - Some metal alloys are more thrombogenic than others. We work within the existing mechanical parameters of stents, such as being self-expanding, to find a better mix of materials.
• Surface modifications – We are manipulating the metal surface of stents by coating to reduce clotting and improve endothelization.

Personnel

Erik Hauck, MD
Department of Neurosurgery

Roberto Manson, MD
Department of Surgery

Christy Holmes
Duke Vivarium

Contact Us

For more information, please contact Erik Hauck at erik.hauck@duke.edu.