Cardiovascular Health

CURRENT CHALLENGES IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of both mortality and morbidity globally and is expected to increase in coming years leading to epidemic proportions. Current strategies fall short in either curing or preventing CVD. Alarmingly, the emergence of novel drugs (and medical devices) for treatment has seen a significant decline. One of the primary challenges arises from the inadequate predictability of current in vitro and animal models in simulating the human situation in health and disease. To address this, advanced human test models for cardiovascular disease are being developed alongside other innovative therapeutic approaches, such as advancements in imaging techniques, novel interventions, and enhanced training and simulation methodologies. There is an increased awareness that balanced inter- and multidisciplinary collaborations in the fields of technological, biological, medical, and social sciences are required to reduce the societal and economic burden of CVD. The Dutch Cardiovascular Alliance (DCVA) aims for a 25% reduction in the disease burden by 2030, as outlined in the Cardiovascular Technology Research Agenda published by the DCVA and the 4TU.Federation. The University of Twente is actively involved in this consortium, contributing to these ambitious goals.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH COMMUNITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TWENTE

At the University of Twente, we have a team of multidisciplinary experts dedicated to advancing cardiovascular health by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and collaborative research efforts. Our goal is to pioneer preventive measures, explore new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues, and develop practical bedside solutions in partnership with hospitals to address clear clinical needs. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive care for patients while fostering the development of innovative healthcare solutions for cardiovascular diseases. We actively explore and stimulate collaborations between academic and private partners, hospitals, medical centers, and health, societal, and patient organizations. Together, these efforts aim to enhance our understanding and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, ensuring that our initiatives have a broad and lasting impact on public health.

Under the umbrella of the Cardiovascular Health research pillar, our collective focus encompasses prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care within the cardiovascular field, leveraging advanced technologies. This convergence of expertise aims to harness technological innovations in the cardiovascular field to reduce mortality and improve health and overall well-being. Our collaborative endeavor is poised to identify and bridge existing knowledge gaps and address unmet needs.

Research activities

Our research activities encompass a wide spectrum of technologies and areas within the cardiovascular field, divided in nine different research themes, which include biologists, chemists, computer scientists, engineers, mathematicians, pharmacologists, physicists physicians, health services researchers and social scientists. The research themes are:

1. Big data and artificial intelligence: Exploring the application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and big data analytics in cardiovascular health.
2. Computational modeling: Simulation of physiologic flows and phenomena through mathematical modeling and high performance computing to understand the physiology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Biomaterials: Investigating the development of innovative biomaterials for cardiovascular implants, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. This includes research on the mechanical properties and interactions of these materials within the cardiovascular system.
4. Biomedical engineering and personalized medicine: Using patient-derived or genetically modified human stem cells (CRISPR-Cas-based) for advanced tissue engineering regenerative and personalized medicine, disease modeling, and drug discovery and testing. These approaches include state-of-the-art 3D bioprinting, organ-on-chip technologies and applications, microfluidics, high-content imaging, assay development, and points-of-care testing.
5. Cardiovascular imaging: Using advanced imaging technologies such as MRI, CT, OCT, and (ultrafast) ultrasound to study the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels. This aids in early detection, accurate diagnosis, and monitoring of cardiovascular diseases.
6. Drug delivery systems: Researching novel drug delivery methods and systems specifically targeted for cardiovascular diseases. This involves investigating controlled-release formulations, lipid nanoparticles, or other innovative delivery mechanisms to enhance drug efficacy and reduce side effects.
7. Medical devices and robotics: Designing and developing medical devices for diagnosing, treating, or managing cardiovascular conditions, but also for assisting or even replacing the damaged organs as a bridge to recovery or to transplantation, or as destination therapy. This may involve wearable sensors, extracorporeal or implantable devices, or technologies for monitoring and intervention.
8. Rehabilitation and personalized care: Studying rehabilitation strategies and technologies for individuals recovering from cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes or being treated with mechanical circulatory and respiratory support devices. This might include physical therapy methods, assistive devices, or innovative rehabilitation protocols.
9. Technology Assessment: Investigating how new technology and interventions impact health outcomes, care pathways, healthcare delivery, and costs, and how this impact can be maximised.

Contact us

To learn more about our research and explore collaboration opportunities, or want to become part of Cardiovascular Health community? Don't hesitate to get in touch with us.