FURI | Fall 2018

Ultrasound Cleavable Polymers for Reversible Vascular Embolization

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The primary goal of this research is to synthesize a polymer that can be broken down by high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). This polymer aims to improve the efficacy of embolization therapy, in which a material is injected into a vessel to block blood flow. While this therapy is useful in starving cancerous cells it can be dangerous, with some blockades in the brain dislodging and causing strokes or blindness. Current work focuses on the polymer PPODA-QT and observing the reaction under HIFU. Future work will expand to other polymers.

Student researcher

Portrait of Karolena Lein

Karolena Lein

Biomedical engineering

Hometown: Goodyear, Arizona

Graduation date: Spring 2020