Joe Juffermans

Education

MSc:      Biomedical Engineering, Delft University of Technology (2014 - 2017)

                Specialization: Medical Instrument and Medical Safety

BSc:       Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology (2010 - 2013)

Research Description

An aortic aneurysm is life-threatening as it can lead to dissection and rupture. Aneurysms often remain undetected until a fatal event occurs. There are marked sex differences in incidence and mortality from aortic aneurysm. Current clinical guidelines recommend serial lumen assessment to monitor aneurysm growth. However, this approach suffers from low sensitivity and specificity to detect asymptomatic aortic aneurysm. There is an urgent clinical need for new biomarkers that go beyond lumen assessment and contribute to earlier aneurysm detection, preferably before growth, to prevent dissection and fatal rupture.

The aim of my work is to develop a comprehensive clinically applicable aorta MRI protocol from which various quantitative anatomical, mechanical, structural and hemodynamic biomarkers can be assessed. Besides, an imaging analysis platform will be developed to establish physiological normal values and pathological abnormal cut-off values for these quantitative biomarkers. Eventually, the MRI protocol and imaging analysis platform will be used to developed a new screening programme for (a)symptomatic patients, with or without hereditary predisposition.