Saami K. Yazdani (Principal Investigator)

Saami Yazdani is a Professor at Wake Forest University in the Engineering Department. His primary focus is on developing more effective and safer treatment options for cardiovascular disease. He currently collaborates with clinicians, biologists, engineers and provides pre-clinical services and consulting with industry partners. 

 

Since the beginning,cardiovascular mechanics has been the primary focus of Saami's research. His thesis (M.S., Virginia Tech; 2001-2003) investigated the impacts of coronary stents on local fluid dynamics using particle image velocimetry (PIV), a non-invasive flow visualization technique.For his dissertation, he focused on developing tissue engineered blood vessels (Ph.D., Wake Forest University; 2003-2008). For his post-doctoral work,at CVPath Institute (2008-2012), a top research institute in cardiac and vascular disease, Saami analyzed cardiovascular interventional devices using pre-clinical models and autopsy tissue to discern the impact of intervention on remodeling, thrombus, inflammation, drug retention, and pre-existing atherosclerotic disease. 

 

At Wake Forest University, Saami continues to develop next generation devices with strong collabation with both academic and industry partners.  With initial funding, Saami has developed in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models to measure and quantify drug release from various vascular devices and is developing non stent alternatives to treat occlusive arterial disease.