How to reduce the long term complications -like kidney disfunction and reduced exercise ability- after Fontan completion surgery? In the TOPGraft project, we aim to address this challenge by developing an expandable graft that accommodates somatic growth, helping to prevent complications associated with the current used fixed-size Fontan conduits.
This innovational idea was pitched by PhD student Vera Zut on the 22th of May to clinical and technical experts affiliated with the Institute for Heart and Lung Surgery The Netherlands (IHLCN), and was awarded best pitch award out of 12 pitches in total. The prize: a ticket to the EACTS Annual Meeting in Copenhagen, where Vera will have the opportunity to explore the latest innovations cardio-thoracic surgery.
The project is a collaboration between the Leiden University Medical Center (dr. Friso Rijnberg and prof. dr. Mark Hazekamp), the University of Amsterdam (dr. Gabor Zavodszky and dr. Giulia Pederzani), and the University of Twente (dr. L. Fresiello).