Clinical feasibility and validation – Ischemic heart disease - CIUS - Centre for Innovative Ultrasound Solutions
WP7: Clinical feasibility and validation – ischemic heart disease
This work package covers clinical feasibility and validation studies for establishing the potential of new ultrasound imaging methods developed in CIUS. The focus is on ischemic heart disease, currently the leading cause of mortality in the Western world. More safe, accurate and efficient diagnostic tools are needed for early detection and patient selection for immediate intervention. Currently, the diagnostic gold standard is coronary angiography with fractional flow reserve measurement that is an invasive technique with inherent risks. Coronary Computer Tomography (CT) is a less invasive method. However, both methods expose patients to radiation and potentially harmful contrast agents. Detection of significant coronary artery disease stenosis is important, but in the periphery of an occluded artery, the myocardial tissue will eventually die and leave a scar that is beyond salvage. New techniques are needed in order to visualise coronary stenosis, quantify them and assess viability of the myocardium in order predict who will benefit from medical treatment and revascularisation.
Main research topics:
WP7-1: Ultrasound coronary angiography – feasibility and validation
The main aim of this project is to assess the feasibility of new 3D methods for visualising coronary arteries and quantification of coronary stenosis with Doppler. The methods will be compared to coronary angiography with fractional flow reserve (FFR).
WP7-2: Ultrasound imaging and quantification of tissue at risk – feasibility and validation
Approximately 1/3 of patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have an occluded artery. In this project the aim is to assess the feasibility of new ultrasound methods to detect and quantify tissue at risk, i.e. ischemic myocardial tissue that with high probability can be normalised with urgent revascularisation.
WP7-3: Ultrasound imaging of myocardial viability – feasibility and validation
Assessment of viability of the myocardium is important in order to predict who will benefit from medical treatment and revascularisation. The main aim of this project is to evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound methods developed in CIUS for detection of fibrosis.
Contact
Head of WP7: Clinical feasibility and validation – ischemic heart disease
- Researcher Bjørnar Grenne, NTNU/St. Olavs hospital