Vanheukelom Valerie

Papers

Total Citations

133

H-Index

About

Valerie Vanheukelom is a pioneering researcher in ophthalmic microsurgery, with a focus on developing innovative, minimally invasive treatments for retinal vein occlusion (RVO)—a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Her major contributions center on robotic-assisted techniques and pharmacological interventions to directly address the underlying vascular blockage, rather than merely managing its symptoms. In her landmark 2016 study, cited 89 times, Vanheukelom demonstrated the first successful robotic-assisted cannulation of occluded retinal veins in a porcine model, establishing a novel methodology that could revolutionize RVO treatment. Her complementary work, with 44 citations, explored the direct intraluminal injection of ocriplasmin to dissolve clots, offering a potential permanent solution by removing the occlusion itself. These achievements represent a significant leap from conventional therapies, which only limit complications. Vanheukelom’s research bridges engineering and medicine, showcasing her as a leader in translational ophthalmology whose work holds promise for restoring vision in millions worldwide.