The objective of the HEART4FLOW project is to develop the next generation of methods for the non-invasive quantitative assessment of cardiac diseases and therapies by focusing on blood flow dynamics, with the goals of earlier and more accurate detection and improved management of cardiac diseases. We have recently presented a novel moment framework for flow quantification using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
This framework allows for simultaneous measurement of time-resolved, three-dimensional (time + 3D = 4D) blood flow velocity and turbulence intensity. In the HEART4FLOW project, this framework is extended and exploited for assessment of intracardiac blood flow dynamics. A user-friendly quantitative assessment approach is obtained for intracardiac blood flow energetics and wall interaction, as well as stenotic and regurgitant blood flow.
Furthermore, the accuracy, measurement time, and robustness of 4D flow MRI acquisition are optimized, allowing its use in large clinical trails. Studying intracardiac blood flow dynamics in patients and healthy subjects at rest and under stress will improve our understanding of the roles of flow dynamics in both health and disease, leading to improved cardiac diagnostics, novel assessments of pharmaceutical, interventional, and surgical therapies, and promoting exploration of new avenues for management of cardiac disorders.
Funding
“This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no 310612”.
