Royal Brompton Hospital researchers recognised globally as experts in aortic dissection

An analysis of aortic dissection (AD) research, published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease, has highlighted that clinicians from Royal Brompton Hospital have the highest number of citations in associated research papers, and the second highest number of published papers on AD internationally.

AD is a life-threatening condition where the walls of the aorta (the largest artery in the body) tear, causing blood to leak, and can require surgery. Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals have one of the largest aortic programmes in the country, with expert teams seeing around 90 patients with aneurysms (abnormal swellings in blood vessels) and dissections (tears in the walls of blood vessels) from across the UK each year.

The analysis showed that Royal Brompton Hospital researchers were the most influential and second most active based on the number of papers published, the number of citations those publications received and the impact factor of the relevant journals. Much of this research was led by Royal Brompton consultant cardiologist Professor Christoph Nienaber.

The analysis reviewed and evaluated over 7,000 AD research papers. It also reported that 10 clinical trials on AD have been published in the last 10 years – one of which was led by Royal Brompton consultant cardiac surgeon, Professor John Pepper.

Dr Richard Grocott-Mason, managing director of Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals, said: “It is rewarding, but not surprising, to see the vital role that colleagues play in aortic dissection research.

“Without this type of research vital advances in treatment and patient care would never happen. Congratulations to Professor Nienaber and his team for gaining such recognition.”

 

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