At this point in the project, we have developed multiple techniques and tools that allow us to efficiently simulate the dynamics of the heart, analyze cardiac images, and estimate parameters while considering uncertainty. Additionally, we have created a new representation of four-chamber heart models, proposed methods for calibrating models, and developed a process for performing multi-scale sensitivity analysis.
We have also begun the first trial called RHYTHMIC-CRT, where we will gather data to determine whether patient-specific models and simulations can predict the response of heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation to either a rate or rhythm control strategy.
The second trial called PRoAF-HF, where we will test if the order that co-morbidities developed (did atrial fibrillation proceed heart failure or the other way round), impacts patient outcomes to rhythm control is under review, and will start collecting data shortly.
Overall PREDICT-HF is designed to ultimately reveal whether a rate or rhythm control strategy is optimal for heart failure patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy, which approach is better for patients who developed atrial fibrillation before their heart failure, and how we can use modeling and simulation to predict patient response to rate or rhythm control therapies.