Conductivity measurements of cardiac tissue using magnetic resonance imaging

The first objective of this project is to obtain the first high resolution impedance measurements of cardiac tissue. These measurements will be synchronized with electrocardiogram to determine quantitatively for the first time the changes of conductivity at different stages of the cardiac cycle. Since the heart is one of the most electrically-active areas inside human body, knowledge of its electrical properties will benefit many cardiac modeling and clinical applications. The second objective of this project is to test the influence of anisotropy on cardiac impedance imaging. We will also compare the conductivity values in the direction parallel or perpendicular to the heart muscle fibers. Successful completion of these objectives will help our partner organization to test and improve the design of the related hardware and software. As well, it will help to prepare both hardware and software as candidates for resalable products.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Adrian Nachman

Student:

Weijing Ma

Partner:

Discipline:

Engineering - computer / electrical

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of Toronto

Program: