Abstract:
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) are an anomaly of the vascular system where feeding arteries are directly connected to the venous drainage network. While AVMs can arise anywhere in the body and have been described in most tissues, brain AVMs are of significant concern because of the risk of hemorrhage which carries significant morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of AVMs and the mechanisms underlying their formation are not well understood. For this reason, patients who undergo treatment for symptomatic AVMs remain at increased risk of subsequent bleeds and adverse outcomes. The cerebrovascular network is delicate and novel animal models continue to provide insight into its dynamics in the context of AVMs. As the molecular players in the formation of familial and sporadic AVMs are better understood, novel therapeutic approaches have been developed to mitigate their associated risks. Here we discuss the current literature surrounding AVMs including the development of models and therapeutic targets which are currently being investigated.
Biography:
Brandon Lucke-Wold was born and raised in Colorado Springs, CO. He graduated magna cum laude with a BS in Neuroscience and distinction in honors from Baylor University. He completed his MD/PhD, Master’s in Clinical and Translational Research, and the Global Health Track at West Virginia University School of Medicine. His research focus was on traumatic brain injury, neurosurgical simulation, and stroke. At West Virginia University, he also served as a health coach for the Diabetes Prevention and Management program in Morgantown and Charleston, WV, which significantly improved health outcomes for participants. In addition to his research and public health projects, he is a co-founder of the biotechnology company Wright-Wold Scientific, the pharmaceutical company CTE cure, and was a science advocate on Capitol Hill through the Washington Fellow’s program.
He has also served as president of the WVU chapters for the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, Neurosurgery Interest group, and Erlenmeyer Initiative Entrepreneur group. In addition, he has served as vice president for the graduate student neuroscience interest group, Nu Rho Psi Honor Society, and medical students for global health. He was an active member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He is currently a member of the Young Neurosurgeons’ Committee. He is married to Noelle Lucke-Wold, and has a toddler daughter named Esme. As a family, they enjoy running with their dogs, rock climbing, and traveling the world. In his spare time, Brandon frequently runs half marathons and 10ks together with is wife. Brandon also enjoys reading and discussing philosophy and playing chess. He is excited to join the neurosurgery residency program at University of Florida.
