In Vitro Vein: A 3D Human Vein Model for Preclinical Testing of Vascular Medical Devices
ORCID
0009-0008-1994-9685
Department
Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Year of Study
2025
Full-time or Part-time Study
Full-time
Level
Postgraduate
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Supervisor
Dr. Niall Burke
Supervisor
Dr. Derek Whelan
Abstract
Background:
Venous diseases affect one in four people and are the fourth most common chronic illness globally. Current preclinical testing for vascular medical devices relies on animal models, which are costly, time-consuming, and often fail to provide accurate translational data. Traditional 2D in vitro systems, while inexpensive, do not mimic the complex 3D structure, mechanical environment, or cellular interactions of real human veins. Therefore, there is a growing need for more ethical, reliable and human-relevant models.
Aims:
The aim of this study is to create a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro human vein model that can produce preclinical results comparable to in vivo outcomes. The model will be tailored to test InVera Medical Ltd.’s non-thermal venous treatment device which is used to treat chronic venous conditions (e.g., varicose veins), helping to bridge the translational gap between in vitro and in vivo vascular medical device testing.
Future Research Plans:
Candidate biocompatible scaffold materials will be characterised for culturing human endothelial and smooth muscle cells to create 3D tubular vein structures. Fibroblasts and monocytes will be added to simulate tissue remodeling and immune responses. The model will be used to test InVera Medical’s device, evaluating its effects on biomarker expression and vessel remodeling.
Proposed Significance to the Field:
This project aims to improve the translational accuracy of preclinical vascular device testing. By combining advanced biomaterials and complex cellular modeling, it supports innovation in MedTech, in line with the 4Rs principles, and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 & 9.
Keywords:
Venous disease, Biocompatible Materials, vascular cells, In Vitro models, 3D Cell Culture
Start Date
16-6-2025 9:45 AM
End Date
16-6-2025 10:00 AM
Recommended Citation
Shirkhani, Parian; Yeomans, Tim Dr.; Burke, Niall Dr; and Whelan, Derek Dr, "In Vitro Vein: A 3D Human Vein Model for Preclinical Testing of Vascular Medical Devices" (2025). ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting). 2.
https://sword.cit.ie/orbiom/2025/oral1/2
In Vitro Vein: A 3D Human Vein Model for Preclinical Testing of Vascular Medical Devices
Background:
Venous diseases affect one in four people and are the fourth most common chronic illness globally. Current preclinical testing for vascular medical devices relies on animal models, which are costly, time-consuming, and often fail to provide accurate translational data. Traditional 2D in vitro systems, while inexpensive, do not mimic the complex 3D structure, mechanical environment, or cellular interactions of real human veins. Therefore, there is a growing need for more ethical, reliable and human-relevant models.
Aims:
The aim of this study is to create a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro human vein model that can produce preclinical results comparable to in vivo outcomes. The model will be tailored to test InVera Medical Ltd.’s non-thermal venous treatment device which is used to treat chronic venous conditions (e.g., varicose veins), helping to bridge the translational gap between in vitro and in vivo vascular medical device testing.
Future Research Plans:
Candidate biocompatible scaffold materials will be characterised for culturing human endothelial and smooth muscle cells to create 3D tubular vein structures. Fibroblasts and monocytes will be added to simulate tissue remodeling and immune responses. The model will be used to test InVera Medical’s device, evaluating its effects on biomarker expression and vessel remodeling.
Proposed Significance to the Field:
This project aims to improve the translational accuracy of preclinical vascular device testing. By combining advanced biomaterials and complex cellular modeling, it supports innovation in MedTech, in line with the 4Rs principles, and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 & 9.
