PhD in Biomedical Engineering – Modelling and simulation of atherosclerotic lesion preparation

Start Date: Between summer 2025 and 01/10/2025.

Looking for a unique opportunity to conduct PhD research that will make a difference to heart disease treatment? Then apply to join the Centre for Future Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Planning at the University of Glasgow!  We are a highly multidisciplinary team of mathematicians, statisticians, biomedical engineers, clinicians and life scientists that want to challenge the status quo.   The vision of our Centre is to develop novel and robust mathematical and statistical methodologies, supported by large clinical data sets, to create computational tools for optimisation of cardiovascular procedures. 

We are particularly interested in ischaemic heart disease, which is the leading cause of death globally. The main cause is a build-up of atherosclerotic plaque that narrows the lumen of coronary arteries and restricts blood flow. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a common clinical procedure undertaken to relieve the symptoms of ischaemic heart disease, by improving blood flow in coronary arteries.  Typically, PCI involves the deployment of balloons and the implantation of drug-eluting stents.  

It is recognised that lesion preparation (plaque/calcium modification) prior to the deployment of stents and balloons is a critical component of PCI and can have a significant impact on outcome. Currently, lesion preparation is based on interpretation of clinical images, operator experience and often contains an element of stepwise, trial-and-error. Lesion preparation may use a variety of devices and specialist techniques, including compliant/non-compliant balloons, cutting/scoring balloons, atherectomy and lithotripsy, each adding a degree of cost, time and risk to the procedure.  

The aim of this project is to develop mathematical and computational models to simulate different lesion preparation strategies, with a view to understanding how to optimize PCI. The project will benefit from collaboration with colleagues in Mathematics & Statistics and Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health and access to advanced patient imaging data via world leading clinical centres, enabling accurate recapitulation of patient anatomy and validation of the models. 

During this project, you will have opportunities to: 

• Develop skills necessary to work at the interface of engineering, mathematics, statistics and healthcare 
• Publish papers in high-quality journals 
• Present research results at international conferences 
• Learn about nonlinear finite element analysis, nonlinear mechanics, multiscale modeling, image-based analysis, data science, and other numerical techniques 
• Learn about experimental and clinical validation 
• Collaborate with our international academic and industrial partners 
• Interact within the Soft Tissue Mechanics Centre (SofTMech) and Glasgow Centre for Computational Engineering (GCEC) 

The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of: mechanics (particularly soft tissue/biomechanics), mathematical modelling, and finite element software. It is essential to contact the supervisor Dr Sean McGinty [email protected] prior to completing your application. 

Ready for the challenge? 

How to Apply:  Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply: 

http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/.