Non-invasive cardiovascular imaging - development of novel methods and technologies

The aim of the subprogram is to provide technology and training for the integration of ultrasound and biophotonics-based imaging guidance with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to define the specifications of an Interventional Imaging Operating Network aimed at early detection and minimally invasive treatment of cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary heart disease, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and structural heart defects. The subprogram will be conducted in collaboration with the University of Dundee and the IIIOS Network.

The subprogram has the following key objectives:

• The development of new strategies in the assessment of myocardial perfusion through the comparison of MRI and PET results.
• The development of new contrast agents with specific features for the assessment of myocardial perfusion as well as for drug delivery or stem cell treatment.
• The development of new syringe pumps for the administration of contrast agents at defined rates.

Research program scientific coordination:

The international coordinator is Andreas Melzer, M.D., from the University of Dundee. Dr. Melzer is a leading European scientist in the field of development of novel clinical applications using imaging modalities like CT, magnetic resonance, and ultrasound, and their combinations (record of 60+ patents). Dr. Melzer is the coordinator of the European IIIOS Network project, aimed at developing new methods and training new experts in utilizating novel imaging methods in medicine. FNUSA-ICRC is a part of this network.

The national coordinator is Marek Orban, M.D., a respected expert in the field of cardiology with a focus on imaging methods, especially echocardiography. Dr. Orban completed a Research Fellowship at Mayo Clinic. His research focused predominantly on finding links between cardiovascular diseases and obstructive sleep apnea using various imaging methods.

Research Team