# Vascular Deformation Mapping (VDM) for Automated, 3D Assessment of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

> **NIH NIH R44** · IMBIO, LLC · 2022 · $449,666

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a chronic condition that carries the risk of developing life-threatening
complications such as aortic dissection (i.e., delamination of the aortic wall) and rupture (i.e., transmural
tearing). The primary management objectives for TAA are to identify aortic dilation early and to surgically
replace the aorta before it reaches a size that predicts future complications. It is estimated that 3 million
patients in the US alone would meet criteria for aortic imaging surveillance based on current guidelines.
Improved imaging surveillance strategies are needed to address the health and economic impacts of TAA.
However, the reliability of standard aortic diameter measurements from CT images remains low.
In this proposal, we will utilize a recently developed image analysis technique, Vascular Deformation Mapping
(VDM), to perform semi-automated, three-dimensional assessment of aortic growth in patients with TAA
undergoing imaging surveillance. This novel approach utilizes advanced computerized analysis techniques that
make full use of the rich, high-resolution, volumetric data generated by modern CT scanners, to generate a
more comprehensive and reliable assessment of aortic growth. VDM has the ability to significantly improve the
speed and reliability of TAA growth analysis, facilitate the communication of aortic growth assessment between
radiologists, care-providers and patients, and generate new biomarkers of disease progression that can be
used to improve patient management decisions, and ultimately patient outcomes.
In this grant effort, we propose to achieve the goals of this project through our close partnership between
University of Michigan (UM) and Imbio, LLC investigators. Thus the Specific Aims of this Fast-Track proposal
will develop a commercial VDM software application, including the product testing and data acquisition
necessary for a FDA 510(k) application.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10409547
- **Project number:** 5R44HL145953-04
- **Recipient organization:** IMBIO, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Nicholas Scott Burris
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $449,666
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-05-01 → 2023-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10409547

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10409547, Vascular Deformation Mapping (VDM) for Automated, 3D Assessment of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (5R44HL145953-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10409547. Licensed CC0.

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