Analysis of 3D flow data in the aorta: Optimised dual-venc flow-sensitive MRI and statistical data analysis for automated flow classification

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Susanne Schnell
• Subject Area: Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology
• Term: from 2011 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 208935226

The research project combines statistical analysis and classification methods of medical images with the development and application of functional cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thereby will be the focus mainly put on the MRI-based acquisition of in vivo 3D blood flow data using flow-sensitive 4D MRI and on the classification of the 3D flow properties of the cardiovascular system. The planned work will include 1) the development of algorithms for feature-based classification and 2) MRI method development for optimised in vivo acquisition of 3D blood flow data. The MRI methods are thereby directly connected with the planned data analysis and its prerequisites on the in vivo acquisition of 3D blood flow concerning measurement of the high pulsatile flow velocity range (dynamic range) with high quality for all velocity ranges. The clinical applications will be focused on the acquisition and evaluation of thoracic aorta data. The aim will be to characterise comprehensively the 3D flow characteristics of frequently occurring vascular diseases of the aorta (plaques in the aorta, aneurysms and isthma stenosis) in order to investigate the relationship between changed hemodynamics and development and progression of pathologies.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Michael Markl