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Neurosurgery Research at UVM

The neurosurgical laboratories at the University of Vermont are active in cerebrovascular research in ischemia and vasospasm, mathematical modeling of intracranial physiology, and trauma. There is a broad spectrum of collaborative potential with a wide range of expertise in mathematics, pharmacology, physiology and biochemistry.

A skull base laboratory has been designed to enable our neurosurgeons and residents to study surgical technique and research new surgical corridors. Clinical Research Projects at in conjunction with Fletcher Allen Health care are underway. 

Below are some of the major research laboratories and projects currently active at the University of Vermont Please select a doctor below to view research interests and recent publications.

Cerebrovascular Research at UVM

Bruce Tranmer MD curriculum vitae; recent publications

George Wellman PhD recent publications

The Totman Cerebrovascular Laboratory at University of Vermont has been active in the study of the mechanisms of cerebral vasospasm. An animal model for cerebral vasospasm has been developed and is being used to study mechanisms responsible for the development of cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage. A combined effort by neurosurgery (Dr. Tranmer) and pharmacology (Dr. Wellman) enables this research group to study cerebral smooth muscle using in vitro and in vivo techniques. The animal cerebral vessels are used to study changes in Ca+ signaling and vessel response to induced pressure and exposure to oxyhemoglobin. One of the current areas of interest involves the study of localized intra cellular Ca+ release events as signaled by Ca+ sparks.

Skull Base Research at UVM

Michael Horgan MD curriculum vitae; recent publications

The Skull Base Laboratory at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, formerly Donaghy's microneurosurgery laboratory (see UVM Neurosurgery history) served as the birthplace of microvascular neurosurgery. It continues to serve as an experimental and training resource for the neurosurgery residency program. Residents are able to practice operative technique with exercises such as cadaveric dissections and microvascular reanastamosis in rodents. The lab freatures a Zeiss operative microscope with platpanel displays and real-time localization with brainlab and fluoroscopy, in addition to six stationary microscope workstations. The lab is also host for an annual skull base course hosted by Dr. Horgan.

Intracranial Physiology Research at UVM

Paul Penar MD curriculum vitae; recent publications

In collaboration with the UVM Department of Mathematics, Dr. Penar’s research team is also testing the hypothesis that the pressure, volume, and fluid flow relationships in the intracranial compartment can be described in mathematical terms. The aims of this project are to refine a set of mathematical relationships describing and predicting these interactions. Current emphasis involves refining a whole-body physiology model with data from monitored patients to address the mechanism of neurogenic pulmonary edema and its relationship to intracranial pressure elevation. The long-term clinical objective of this project is to predict the development of intracranial hypertension to allow for institution of preventative measures in advance of neurologic deterioration.

Trauma Research at UVM

Bruce Crookes MD recent publications

Kalev Freeman MD, PhD recent publications

Faculty of the Divisions of Trauma and Emergency Medicine, respectively; Dr. Crookes and Dr. Freeman have developed separate models of brain trauma. Dr. Crookes’ laboratory features a large-animal head trauma model with the primary research objective of studying the potential advantages of the use of permissive hypocapnea in head trauma. Dr. Freeman has recently developed a rodent model of trauma with goals to study the effects of reactive oxygen species on brain physiology after head injury, among other projects.

Clinical Research at UVM

Bruce Tranmer MD curriculum vitae; recent publications

Paul Penar MD curriculum vitae; recent publications

Michael Horgan MD curriculum vitae; recent publications

Ryan Jewell MD curriculum vitae; recent publications

At Fletcher Allen Health Care in conjunction with the Division of Neurosurgery at the University of Vermont, several clinical research projects are underway. Studies currently underway involve cerebrovascular, peripheral nerve, trauma, and spine projects with Drs. Tranmer, Penar, Horgan, and Jewell as principle investigators. All studies currently underway are in accordance with the IRB of the University of Vermont.

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