Biomechanics of aneurysms
Aneurysms manifest as pathological enlargements of the aorta or other vessels in the body. They are often asymptomatic but can rupture with serious consequences for the patient. We study the development and progression of aneurysms with the goal of preventing rupture. Information from diagnostic images, mechanical testing, microscopy, and histology are combined to obtain maps of local weakening of the aorta that can help clinicians stratify decisions about treatment of an individual aneurysm.

Image-based analysis of soft tissues
Deformation-based algorithms to estimate local mechanical properties of soft biological tissues.

Computational simulation of cardiovascular mechanics
We use different simulation modalities, including fluid dynamics, fluid-structure analysis, mechano-electric coupling, dynamic analysis, to simulate the mechanical environment of various cardiovascular structures, including the aorta in the presence of aneurysm or dissections and the left atrium of heart.

Novel grafts for skin repair
Split-thickness skin grafts are used routinely to cover areas of the skin that were severely burned. We are working in collaboration with the skin regeneration team (www.ucalgary.ca/skinregenerationteam/) to improve the function of split-thickness skin grafts.

Mechanical tests and constitutive models of soft biological tissues
Uniaxial, biaxial mechanical testing and a proprietary coupled optical/mechanical device are used to characterize the mechanical properties and structure of soft biological tissues.