SUMMARY
The research of Thom W. Rooke, M.D., focuses on creating new tests to detect diseases of the arteries and veins. His goal is to design and build devices that cost less, are simple to use and can operate at remote locations where vascular testing is traditionally hard to do. These devices can diagnose issues such as atherosclerosis, blood clots, leaky vein valves and other common concerns.
Dr. Rooke's development team is composed of engineers and data analysts. They are working with a large international company that builds diagnostic medical equipment to develop and market these devices on behalf of Mayo Clinic.
Focus areas
- Testing for artery and vein diseases. Dr. Rooke's team is developing a new device that sends patient testing data electronically to a central vascular laboratory at Mayo Clinic for interpretation. Later, the testing site receives a report back showing the findings with results, diagnosis and recommendations.
- Testing for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Dr. Rooke is developing a device that can rapidly screen for and diagnose deep vein thrombosis in a variety of inpatient or outpatient settings.
- "Smart" pump for clot prevention. Patients in the hospital can reduce blood clots by 50% after pumping their legs with air cuffs. Air pumps are currently available and widely used in most hospitals. However, Dr. Rooke is studying new modifications to allow these pumps to not only prevent venous thrombosis but also detect blood clots that develop despite pumping.
Significance to patient care
It is hard to deliver quality vascular care in small hospitals or clinics. This issue can be addressed by using high-quality, simple-to-use, low-cost testing equipment. These devices can diagnose blood vessel problems and allow doctors at one location to interact with healthcare professionals at another. Vascular-cardiovascular conditions are among the most prevalent diseases globally. People with vascular conditions can expect that the broad use of these devices can help improve lifestyles, reduce amputations and prevent deaths.
Professional highlights
- Past president, Society for Vascular Medicine, 2012-2013.
- Past president, Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, 2010-2011.
- Section head, Vascular Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, 1994-2009.
- John and Posy Krehbiel Professor of Vascular Medicine Honoring Thom W. Rooke, M.D., Mayo Clinic, 2001.