Current cardiac imaging
projects
The Cardiac Atlas Project
This project aims to establish a structural and functional atlas of the heart. This project is
dedicated to combine cardiac modeling and biophysical analysis methods with a structural database
for the comprehensive mapping of heart structure and function. We have collected more than 2,500
de-identified cardiac patients along with their corresponding 3D finite element models. Researchers
can therefore apply to access the cardiac data for specific research projects and clinicians are
encouraged to contribute new cases. This study has been funded by the National Heart, Lung and
Blood Institute, USA (R01HL087773).
The Cardiac
Atlas Project Homepage
Cardiac Exercise Stress Testing using MRI
This study aims to develop an MRI exercise stress examination for heart disease. An MRI compatible
ergometer has been improved and fast imaging methods have been developed to quantify aortic stiffness
and heart pump function during exercise. This study has been funded by the Health Research Council of
New Zealand (09/173).
Sleep Apnea (SAVE) Cardiac MRI Sub-study
This study aims to evaluate the effect of the ‘Continuous Positive Airways Pressure’ (CPAP) device
on the heart and blood vessels using MRI. The
information gained will assist the researchers in better understanding the effect of CPAP treatment
on the heart and blood vessels. This study is funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand.
Cardiac Mechanics
This study aims to estimate the mechanical properties of the heart from clinical imaging data.
Finite element models are customized to the geometry of the heart and the muscle architecture is
characterized with smoothly continuous fibre and sheet fields. Heart stiffness and contractility
is estimated by finding the material paramters which best fit the imaged motion. This project is
performed in collaboration with Professor Martyn Nash and Vicky Wang of the Auckland Bioengineering
Institute
