Unravelling the Structure-Function Relation in Congenital Human Cardiac Hypertrophy

Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) is a congenital heart disease accounting for approximately 10% of all congenital heart defects, with an incidence of 1 in 3,500 live births. It is characterised by four primary features: narrowing (stenosis) of the pulmonary artery, a ventricular septal defect (a hole between the left and right ventricles), right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta. While surgical repair during childhood—typically involving closure of the septal defect and relief of pulmonary obstruction—is highly effective, an increasing number of patients surviving into adulthood experience complications such as hypertrophic remodeling of the RV. RV dysfunction and heart failure remain significant contributors to morbidity in this population.

This project aims to investigate how hypertrophic changes in the myocardium influence the mechanical and energetic properties of RV tissue. Collaborating with cardiac surgeons, we will obtain myocardial tissue samples from ToF patients and utilise custom-built devices to assess their ionic, mechanical, and energetic characteristics. In parallel, state-of-the-art imaging techniques will be employed to analyse ultracellular and macroscale structures within these tissues. Mathematical modeling will then integrate these findings to establish links between structural alterations and mechanical or energetic dysfunction, advancing our understanding of RV pathophysiology in ToF.

• Skills in computational and mathematical modelling
• Interest in heart tissue experiments
• Motivation to learn and be challenged
  

This project is eligible for funding but is subject to eligibility criteria & funding availability.

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