Functional Imaging and Modelling of the Heart: Unveiling the Engine of Life

The heart, a marvel of biological engineering, pumps tirelessly, transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Understanding its complex functionality is crucial for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally. Functional imaging and modelling techniques provide invaluable insights into the heart's intricate workings, paving the way for personalized medicine and improved patient outcomes.

Functional Imaging: Visualizing Heart Function

Functional imaging allows clinicians to visualize the heart in action, capturing its electrical and mechanical activity through non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures.

Functional Imaging and Modelling of the Heart: 9th International Conference, FIMH 2024, Toronto, ON, Canada, June 11-13, 2024, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science Book 10263)

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Electrocardiography (ECG)

ECG records electrical signals generated by the heart, providing information about its heart rate, rhythm, and conductance. Abnormal patterns in the ECG can indicate arrhythmias, heart blockages, or other underlying conditions.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography uses sound waves to produce moving images of the heart, revealing its structure and function. It can assess chamber size, wall thickness, valve function, and blood flow patterns.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR)

CMR combines powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart, providing comprehensive information about its anatomy, function, and tissue characteristics. It can detect abnormalities in heart structure, assess scar tissue, and quantify blood flow.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

PET involves injecting a small amount of radioactive tracer into the bloodstream, which accumulates in metabolically active tissues. By detecting the tracer's emissions, PET can assess myocardial perfusion and viability.

Modelling: Simulating Heart Behavior

Computational modelling complements functional imaging by simulating the heart's complex behavior. These models can predict heart function under various conditions and help design personalized treatment plans.

Mechanical Models

Mechanical models simulate the heart's pumping action, analyzing the forces and stresses acting on its structures. They can identify areas of high stress that may be prone to failure.

Electrical Models

Electrical models represent the heart's electrical activity, simulating the propagation of electrical impulses and predicting arrhythmia risks. They can guide treatments such as catheter ablation.

Multiscale Models

Multiscale models combine mechanical and electrical models, capturing the intricate relationship between the heart's structure and function. They can predict how changes in one aspect affect the other and provide a more holistic view.

Clinical Applications

Functional imaging and modelling techniques have revolutionized the field of cardiology:

Diagnosis and Prognosis

These techniques help diagnose heart conditions, predict disease progression, and assess response to therapy. They can identify subtle changes in heart function that may not be detected by physical examination or other tests.

Personalized Treatment

By providing precise information about the heart's status, functional imaging and modelling guide tailored treatments. They can inform decisions regarding medication, surgery, or device therapy.

Risk Stratification

These techniques can identify patients at risk for developing heart disease or worsening outcomes. They assist in implementing preventive measures and monitoring high-risk individuals.

Monitoring Treatment Efficacy

Functional imaging and modelling can assess the effectiveness of treatments, providing objective measures of improvement or regression. This information supports ongoing management and optimization of therapy.

Functional imaging and modelling of the heart are transformative technologies that have profoundly impacted our understanding of the heart's enigmatic functions. By visualizing heart activity and simulating its behavior, these techniques empower clinicians to diagnose conditions more accurately, predict disease progression, tailor treatments, and improve patient outcomes. As research continues to refine these technologies, they promise to further revolutionize the fight against cardiovascular diseases, bringing hope to millions of patients worldwide.

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Functional Imaging and Modelling of the Heart: 9th International Conference, FIMH 2024, Toronto, ON, Canada, June 11-13, 2024, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science Book 10263)

by Course Hero

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26340 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	533 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE