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Cardiovascular BiomechanicsFaculty:
Bovendeerd,
Rutten,
van de Vosse,
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Press here for a list of all group members and other details about the programme.
Press here for current research projects.
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We focus on model-based biomechnical analysis of the cardiovascular system, as relevant for pathophysiology, diagnosis, intervention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The research that mostly originates from questions arising from clinical practice is fundamental in its nature and based on models based on classical disciplines (physics, mathematics, and mechanics). We develop and use advanced experimental and computational techniques in order to validate and analyze models of the complex cardiovascular system. |
Cardiac Mechanics
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Cardiac mechanics research is focussed on understanding how individual heart-muscle cells contribute to the contractile function of the complete heart, both in healthy and in pathological conditions.
We are particularly interested in the adaptation of the heart muscle to changes in mechanical load, for instance induced by cardiac arrest or pacemakers. Functional MRI techniques, like MR-tagging, are developed and applied to assess pathology in electrically conductive and contractile pathologies. We develop and validate powerful computational models for electrical conductance, excitation and muscle contraction of the complete heart to extend diagnostic measurements and the planning of treatment modalities.
(Info: Prof. Theo Arts, Dr. Peter Bovendeerd)
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Hemodynamics
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Hemodynamical factors ,like local pressure, velocity, wall shear stress and wall deformation play a key role in the genesis and development of atherosclerotic disease and are crucial for the well-functioning of the heart and its natural or artificial valves.
With the improvement of radiographic, ultrasound, MRI and intravascular techniques, hemodynamical parameters like blood flow velocity, blood pressure and vessel wall motion are used in diagnosing the stage of cardiovascular diseases. Hemodynamical models help to understand diagnostic measurements and can predict the impact of clinical intervention technique. Balloon angioplasty, stent or vascular prosthesis implantation and medication will become increasingly important in future clinical practice.
We particularly develop experimentally validated computational methods in order to analyze pulsatile flow in geometrically complex distensible 3D models of straight, curved and bifurcating arteries, and flow in the heart.
(Info: Prof. Frans van de Vosse, Prof. Nico Pijls)
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Extracorporeal systems and devices
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Extracorporeal circulation systems as used in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, blood management systems and artificial kidney's are far from optimal at this moment. Medical devices like pressure and flow sensors, particularly those used for advanced diagnostic measurements like catheterization of the coronary arteries are still in the development stage.
Research in this area concentrates on biomechanical aspects of these systems and devices. Sophisticated models, both for the device that is studied and the physiological system it is used for, are developed to improve technology and diagnostic procedures. Work in this research area is performed in co-operation with biomedical device companies and hospitals.
(Info: Prof. Frans van de Vosse, Dr. Marcel Rutten)
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