Advanced Aortic Imaging for Clinical and Translational Research (AAI-CTR) Group
Pioneering precision imaging for cardiovascular health
AAI-CTR Group, part of the Cardiovascular Imaging Section in the Department of Radiology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, develops and applies advanced CT and MRI–based tools to better detect, measure, and manage aortic disease.
By integrating quantitative imaging with clinical data, our research aims to improve diagnosis, risk prediction, and surgical planning for patients with aortic and aortic valve disorders. Our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, engineers, computer scientists, and surgeons collaborates to create reproducible imaging pipelines, validate new biomarkers, and translate innovations into clinical care.
Current projects include NIH-funded studies using 4D Flow MRI to identify hemodynamic factors associated with complications in aortic dissection, as well as the development of vascular deformation mapping (VDM)—a 3D technique for quantifying aortic growth created in partnership with industry collaborators. Through this work, we aim to advance understanding of aortic disease and enhance outcomes for patients.
Recent News & Events
Human-in-the-Loop AI for Aortic Measurements
In Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging, our group evaluates a human-in-the-loop neural network that enhances speed and accuracy for thoracic aortic diameter assessment at CTA.
Ascending Aortic Dilation Study
Our team’s latest JAHA study identifies real-world patterns of ascending aortic growth and highlights opportunities for more individualized imaging surveillance.
Dr. Nicholas Burris named inaugural David A. Bluemke, MD, PhD Professor of Radiology
The AAI-CTR Group celebrates Dr. Burris’s inaugural appointment recognizing leadership in advanced aortic imaging and translational radiology at UW–Madison.
Published August 2025, Dr. Burris’s editorial comments on clinical interpretation of aortic dimensions and discusses the study “Ascending Aortic Dimensions and Body Size.”
First full-lab, in-person meeting at UW–Madison
Since Dr. Burris joined UW–Madison, the AAI-CTR Group reached a key milestone this October 2025—our first full-team, in-person meeting to kick off collaborative projects in advanced aortic imaging.