UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science

As well as developing electronic-based learning materials for heart disease, the unit also provides training in cardiac anatomy through hands-on courses which are run every few weeks throughout the year. Our courses focus on small group discussion and individualised bespoke training to deliver high quality results. Further information can be found on our website or through ICH Events

Our unit was instrumental in the development of a computer animated virtual heart model which has been turned into anatomic and echocardiographic training simulators. Our unit provided the anatomical expertise to ensure the model was correct in every respect.

In order to design medical devices that fit within the heart and cardiovascular system, such as percutaneous valves and septal occluders, knowledge of anatomic variations is crucial. Respecting the key components of the heart, and knowing their relationship one to the other is also imperative. We work closely with various medical device developers, helping them to understand the potential cardiac variations and the relationships in advance, so that they can be taken into account prior to device design, testing and implantation.

We provide expertise and advice in cardiac morphology on projects where cardiac malformations have been produced in animal models. Accurately defining the cardiac phenotype in these situations aids to understanding the pathways and mechanisms involved in both normal heart development and in disease, particularly in congenital malformations.

Dr Andrew Cook has developed specific expertise in the development and growth of the heart during the fetal period. He has been part of many first publications and texts in this area, in particular correlating echocardiographic images in order to improve understanding and prenatal detection of congenital heart disease.