Objective Arrhythmias are a major cause of death and disability worldwide and their prevalence is expected to rise with the aging of the population. Recent technological advances have led to the development of new treatments based on radio-frequency (RF) catheter ablation to treat and even cure these conditions. However, challenges in treatment persist. RF ablation is currently performed via direct contact with the endocardium, limiting the depth of tissue injury unless high temperatures are used, which lead to higher risks of clot formation. Another major limitation is the lack of combined imaging modality for real-time monitoring of the treatment and for accurate assessment of the lesion extent. Our objective is to construct an ultrasound-based intra-cardiac ultrasound therapy/imaging system that can perform ablation using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and can monitor the size and temperature of the ablation lesion using shear wave imaging (SWI). The specific aims of are 1) to develop an intra-cardiac hybrid system to perform HIFU, real-time temperature and lesion size monitoring using SWI, 2) Validate and optimize the imaging/therapy system in an animal model and 3) Demonstrate the feasibility of real-time RF ablation monitoring in patients using SWI. This project is tailored to facilitate the transfer of knowledge of the experienced researcher in imaging the with ultrasound at very high frame-rate the electromechanical properties of the heart. Upon completion, this project will result in the development of an intra-cardiac ultrasound system that allows performing non-contact ablation transmurally while monitoring the lesion site growth and temperature in real time. The capability of ablating at any location in the thickness of the myocardium while simultaneously assess the size of the lesion, has the potential to accelerate procedures, reduce the risks, and, provide a new approach to assess the success of the ablation. Fields of science engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsradio technologyradio frequencymedical and health sciencesclinical medicinecardiologycardiovascular diseasescardiac arrhythmianatural sciencesphysical sciencesacousticsultrasound Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) Coordinator INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE EU contribution € 193 594,80 Address RUE DE TOLBIAC 101 75654 Paris France See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Laurence Lomme (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data