The main aim of the project is to improve planning of surgical procedures in patients born with structural defects of the heart (congenital heart disease). Furthermore, we aim at using these techniques for training of healthcare professionals and for assisting patients and relatives to gain a better understanding of their heart condition.
The images we produce project the heart like a real 3D beating object, which can be viewed intuitively, easily turned around and interrogated to extract the maximum information to assist in the understanding and potential therapeutic options for a specific heart defect.
We have recently extended the system to include all imaging modalities (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography). We are now updating the system to enable us to load medical devices into the image which we hope will assist with planning catheter procedures.
Our project builds on the strengths of a close collaboration between experienced clinicians at Evelina London Children’s Hospital (part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust) and biomedical engineers at King’s College London School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences.
This work is independent research funded by the British Heart Foundation and the Evelina London Children’s Charity.