New methods for 3D visualization and integration of detailed functional and anatomical information as an aid in invasive cardiac procedures.

In this research  project, we develop new methods to allow precise catheter navigation within the heart to improve the safety and efficiency of these ablation procedures. For this purpose, we use novel methods to create a very detailed three--‐dimensional model of the heart chambers during the ablation procedure. Based on this anatomical information, we can then steer the ablation catheter to very specific sites to apply successful ablation lesions. We will develop methods to visualize the detailed anatomical information as true 3D images and will evaluate the effect from these methods on the safety and efficiency of our ablation procedures. Moreover, we will develop methods to visualize real--‐time electrical activation patterns from arrhythmias on these detailed anatomical models to identify new forms of ablation targets in complex arrhythmias. The benefit of detailed 3D anatomical information will not only be evaluated in the domain of cardiac arhythmias, but will also be used for the delivery of stem .cells to damaged regions of the heart to stimulate healing in patients with a previous heart attack.