Cardiovascular Imaging
Our clinical strength in multimodality imaging and patient-centered cardiac testing translates into multiple research endeavors. We benefit from close intra-divisional and inter-departmental collaboration. For example, there are ongoing projects involving Echocardiography and Interventional Cardiology around structural interventions. Further, we collaborate closely with the Department of Radiology for Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT), Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Tomography (CMR), and Nuclear Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI), resulting in joint clinical and research efforts.
Echocardiography: Our high-volume echo laboratory has a long record of research activities ranging from assessment of mitral valve morphology to resistive force determination in heart failure. Technology includes 2D and 3D transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, stress echocardiography, and the full range of Doppler imaging, with strain and 3D modeling. Current projects include diagnosis and management of coronary artery occlusion in TAVR (M Tischler), echocardiographic parameters informing exercise capacity (M Meyer), and heart rate in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (M Meyer).
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Tomography (CMR): The cardiac MRI laboratory provides a strong research commitment to advancing the field of cardiac imaging. Multiple CMR systems are in use. As a Philips demonstration site, we have early access to novel technologies. Accordingly, research efforts have included technical protocol enhancements and validation.
Multimodality imaging research (Echo and CMR) has focused on the natural history and pathophysiology of mitral regurgitation and the differential effects of mitral valve repair and replacement surgeries. We have also elucidated effects of alteration in ventricular geometry on exercise performance and ventricular filling in patients with congestive heart failure and have been quantifying the extent of myocardial infarction, determinants of favorable responses to resynchronization therapy, and regional myocardial viability.
Nuclear Stress Testing / Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI): The nuclear cardiology laboratory has a long history of research in coronary artery disease prognosis with MPI. Technology includes several SPECT cameras and PET perfusion and metabolic imaging. Recently, research efforts have included patient-centered PET and SPECT imaging, optimizing resolution recovery algorithms, improvement of PET scatter correction, and imaging of Cardiac Sarcoidosis.