IARS 2024-2025 International Outreach Travel Grant Interview: Xinyan Wang, MD

Effects of Vasopressors on Cerebral Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Endarterectomy

When Xinyan Wang, MD, was searching for a research focus, her mentor Professor Han Ruquan suggested focusing on the carotid endarterectomy (CEA) population, specifically examining the management of cerebral hemodynamics in patients undergoing this procedure. From there, drawing from clinical experience and the lab’s expertise in transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound, Dr. Wang and Professor Ruquan launched a study to identify the most sensitive vasopressor for the CEA population to help guide clinical treatment. Currently, a resident in the Department of Anesthesiology at the Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University in Beijing, China, Dr. Wang hopes they will uncover the impact of using TCD and regional cerebral oxygen saturation monitoring on cerebral perfusion and determine whether it merely increases blood pressure superficially or actually improves cerebral metabolism under vascular occlusion. She was recently selected to receive an IARS 2024-2025 International Outreach Travel Grant for her fascinating research, “Effects of Vasopressors on Cerebral Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Endarterectomy.” She will present her findings during Poster Session D on Saturday, March 22 at the 2025 Annual Meeting, presented by IARS and SOCCA. Below, Dr. Wang discusses the next steps for this research and how this travel grant and attending the IARS meeting will impact her career and research trajectory.

Poster Presentation:

Poster Session D, Saturday, March 22, 2025, 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm HST, Coral 3, Hilton Hawaiian Village® Waikiki Beach Resort

1. For this research, I am…

Clinical Investigator

2. What drew you to this area of research? Has it evolved since your initial research project?

At the very beginning, it was my mentor, Professor Han Ruquan, who provided me with the idea of focusing on the population. Specifically, he suggested looking into the management of cerebral hemodynamics in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Drawing on clinical experience, we observed that different patients have varying sensitivities to vasopressors. By leveraging our lab’s expertise in transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound, we initiated this study. Moving forward, our next focus will be on individualized blood pressure management under the monitoring of cerebral autoregulation, combining TCD and invasive blood pressure (IBP).

3. What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your work with this research project?

In this study, our primary goal is to identify the most sensitive vasopressor for the CEA population to guide clinical treatment.

4. What is the potential impact of your research on the field of anesthesia and patient care?

By using TCD and regional cerebral oxygen saturation monitoring, we aim to select the most sensitive vasopressor for the CEA population while maintaining the same blood pressure levels. We want to examine its impact on cerebral perfusion and determine whether it merely increases blood pressure superficially or actually improves cerebral metabolism under vascular occlusion. Blood pressure-guided hemodynamic management alone is not sufficient.

5. How do you feel about receiving the IARS International Outreach Travel Grant?

I am truly honored and excited to receive the IARS International Outreach Travel Grant. It is a great recognition of our research efforts and a testament to the importance of our work in the field of anesthesia. This grant not only provides valuable financial support but also offers a unique opportunity to engage with the global anesthesia community. I feel very grateful for this opportunity and look forward to representing our research team on this international platform.

6. How will this grant affect your research and professional trajectory?

The IARS International Outreach Travel Grant is a significant milestone for both my research and professional development. It not only provides financial support but also offers a unique opportunity to present our work at the IARS Annual Meeting. This platform allows me to receive valuable feedback from experts, establish new collaborations, and refine our research direction. Professionally, it enhances my network within the anesthesia community, boosts career prospects, and lays the groundwork for future large-scale multicenter studies. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to contributing to the field through this exposure.

7. What are the benefits of presenting your research at the IARS Annual Meeting?

Presenting at the IARS Annual Meeting offers numerous benefits. First, it provides a platform to share our innovative research with a global audience of anesthesia professionals, which can lead to increased visibility and recognition. Second, the feedback and discussions from peers and experts will help us improve our methodologies and findings. Additionally, networking opportunities at the meeting will allow us to form collaborations that could lead to future joint research projects. Overall, it will significantly contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and advancement of our field.

8. Outside of your research, what might someone be surprised to learn about you?

Apart from my research, I have a deep love for hiking and listening to music. These hobbies bring me immense joy and help me stay balanced and energized outside of the lab or clinic.