ACE has ongoing research activities in various areas related to the cardiovascular system. Apart from shared projects between the clinical and technical branches of ACE, there are also specific projects within each group. Shared projects include the development of cannulas, tools related to percutaneous heart valve placement and left ventricle performance measurement systems.

The Vogel group further focuses on functional diagnostics and interventional treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Functional diagnostics comprises imaging-based modalities such as angiography, ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance as well as short- and long-term acquisition, analysis and interpretation of hemodynamic and electrical data from the cardiovascular system. Based on our novel biophysical model of contrast agent kinetics, we developed quantitative contrast echocardiography that, for the first time, allowed the measurement of myocardial blood flow as well as myocardial blood volumes by ultrasound. This method has been validated in vitro and in vivo and current projects are aimed at the clinical implementation in the setting of coronary artery disease, development of software tools for (semi)automated perfusion analysis systems, adaptation to other organs/tissues and evaluation of new clinical applications. Furthermore, the group is involved in the design of long-term heart rhythm monitoring systems and the development of intravascular sensors for the assessment of biophysical properties of the normal and the diseased coronary artery wall.

As future key technology as well as bridge between functional diagnostics and interventional treatment, we initiated the Intracorporeal Energy Harvesting program with the goal to evaluate ambient energy harvesting techniques for clinical applications. By the ongoing development of miniaturized low-power actors and sensors, energy harvesting devices converting ambient energy into electrical energy will attract much interest in the medical sector.

The Vandenberghe group continues the investigation of new usage methods for ventricular assist devices (VADs), with a specific interest in the promotion of ventricular recovery by these devices. A first step is to get a better understanding of how these devices interact with the heart and how this interaction can be quantified. Even though VADs are intended as a treatment option, they can also serve diagnostic purposes if their signals are analyzed with understanding of the heart-device interaction. Therefore this multidisciplinary research is performed on multiple levels: in vitro setups, mathematical modeling, and small and large animal studies.

A second focus is the development of mechanical devices that can facilitate the work of the cardiac surgeon, invasive cardiologist, or perfusionist. Better tools improve the quality of procedures and can reduce the invasiveness and the time needed. Better catheters, cannulas, and implantable devices to treat common heart disorders will eventually result in a better outcome for the patient.