Objective
This proposal aims to revolutionize the understanding and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias by introducing a topological perspective, a completely novel approach in the field, offering a transformative opportunity to advance both the understanding and treatment of life-threatening arrhythmias. Reentries, where the heart's electrical signal follows an abnormal circular path, are central to arrhythmias. Current ablation strategies aim to scar tissue to disrupt these circuits.
I challenge the prevailing belief that reentries exist as isolated phenomena, showing instead that they are interconnected. By applying the index theorem for phase singularities, I demonstrate that reentries occur in pairs: a clockwise loop (index -1) is always accompanied by a counterclockwise loop (index +1), ensuring the sum of indices is zero. Crucially, incomplete reentry loops, often dismissed as irrelevant, also carry a non-zero index and must be targeted to effectively terminate arrhythmias.
The project focuses on three major arrhythmias: atrial tachycardia (AT), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and atrial fibrillation (AF). For AT, we build on substantial computational and clinical evidence showing paired reentry circuits around critical boundaries (CBs). We aim to expand this framework to bi-atrial ATs, a previously uncharted territory. For VT, the ventricles' thickness adds 3D complexity; we hypothesize the index theorem remains valid, with reentry loops and CBs transforming into 3D structures. Using simulations, pig experiments, and clinical analyses, we will identify these 3D CBs and develop precise ablation strategies. For AF, persistent irregular reentries challenge the limits of the index theorem. Through simulations and high-density human recordings, we will determine whether CBs remain relevant as ablation targets.
All findings will be integrated into an open-source software package, ensuring reproducibility and accessibility for the broader research community.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-COG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
9000 Gent
Belgium
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.