General objective of imATFIB
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common human arrhythmia, associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Histopathological studies of persistent AF have reported extracellular matrix remodelling with fibrotic infiltration which may cause atrial dilation. The degree of fibrosis might have a significant impact on wave propagation during AF.
The main objective of the present project is to develop an imaging-based tool to determine the origin and cause of persistent AF. The expected result of this project is a diagnostic method to aid the medical work-up of patients suffering from AF.
Primary objectives of imATFIB
- Identification of the cause of persistent AF using correlation analysis of the imaging-derived parameters with the clinical data of the patient (ECG, echocardiography, lab tests, demographic parameters, comorbidities).
- Development of an imaging-based method for anomaly localization and quantification in the heart with atrial fibrillation.
- Investigation of the conductance of the affected heart to identify the contribution of the fibrotic region to the wave propagation problems.
- Development of superparamagnetic MRI contrast agents using a core/shell design, with enhanced biocompatibility and low toxicity.