Postcard from Illinois: Matija Kiker at UChicago

Matija Kiker completed an eight-week research visit with Prof. Luka Počivavšek at the SurgBioMech Lab at the University of Chicago. The lab focuses primarily on vascular biomechanics and the morphological and geometric characteristics of blood vessels and their implications for the treatment of vascular diseases.

His research focused on vascular surgery, specifically on modeling changes in the morphology and geometric characteristics of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) before and after treatment based on CT scans. Prior to his visit to Chicago, Matija familiarized himself with Simpleware, a software platform used for vascular segmentation and the creation of three-dimensional computer models from CT images.

Upon arriving in Chicago, he was assigned his own cohort of CT scans from patients with AAA, which he systematically processed throughout his research visit. After obtaining a sufficient number of three-dimensional AAA models, he analyzed them using (CAMP) algorithms developed by the lab. On August 31, 2026, he presented his findings to date at a research group meeting.

Matija continues his research after returning to Slovenia. In collaboration with the SurgBioMech Lab, he plans to complete the data collection (CT scan segmentations) and prepare the results for publication in a scientific article by the end of the year. The study will, among other aspects, investigate the potential influence of the geometry of the so-called aortic neck and the overall aneurysm, including the common iliac arteries, on predicting treatment success and complications following endovascular treatment of AAA, as well as on predicting disease progression.

In addition to his research, Matija had the opportunity to observe complex vascular surgery procedures at the University of Chicago Medical Center. This direct insight into clinical practice and contemporary surgical approaches represents an invaluable experience for his continued professional development.

Matija also used his free time in Chicago to explore the city’s culture, history, and cuisine. He attended the traditional Chicago Air and Water Show, watched a baseball game at the historic Wrigley Field, tried the famous deep-dish pizza, and explored many other of Chicago’s landmarks and unique experiences.

Matija hopes to maintain his collaboration with the SurgBioMech research group in the future, as he plans to specialize in vascular surgery. His research visit therefore provided not only valuable research experience but also an opportunity to establish a long-term professional collaboration.

He is sincerely grateful to Prof. Luka Počivavšek, the entire SurgBioMech Lab team, and the ASEF Foundation for this unforgettable opportunity. In addition to the knowledge and research experience he gained, he will always remember the many memorable experiences in Chicago, as well as the new friendships and connections he made during his research visit.