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Structural heart disease

Structural Heart Disease - Rapid prototyping models of the pulmonary trunk and bifurcation in 12 patients with Tetraology of Fallot, who were operated on as neonates and are assessed 10 -15 years after complete repair. Models are constructed from 3D MR images. Note the massive range of individual anatomies in these patients.


Structural heart disease can be described as a structural or functional abnormality of the heart (or blood vessels supplying the heart), which impairs normal functioning. This may include congenital heart defects such as coarctation of the aorta and atrial septal defects; or structural heart disease acquired due to aging, injury or infection such as valvular disease.

Interventional repair for structural heart defects has been growing with new and varied approaches to percutaneous treatment as well as expanded indications for treatment. Device-based therapeutic approaches now play an increasing role in treatment particularly in patients with cardiovascular abnormalities that are largely hemodynamic and mechanical in nature. Our work at the Institute of Cardiovascular Science ranges from Mathematical Modelling of this disease and potential interventions, to delivery of cutting edge treatments for patients.

Primary areas of research

Page last modified on 19 nov 12 17:09