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In a groundbreaking advancement for cardiovascular research, scientists from University College London (UCL) and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) have unveiled detailed 3D images of two whole adult human hearts, marking a significant leap towards better understanding and treating cardiovascular diseases.
Published in Radiology, the study presents an unprecedented atlas of the human heart, capturing anatomical structures with remarkable detail down to 20 micrometers—about half the width of a human hair. This level of resolution allows researchers to explore the heart’s intricacies, from its overall architecture to cellular-level features, akin to using Google Earth to zoom from global views to street-level details.
“Being able to image whole organs like this reveals details and connections that were previously unknown,” remarked Professor Peter Lee, senior author of the study from UCL Mechanical Engineering. The technique, called Hierarchical Phase-Contrast Tomography (HiP-CT), offers a comprehensive 3D view of the heart that is 25 times more detailed than clinical CT scanners, and can zoom in to cellular details that are 250 times better than what a microscope can achieve.
The study imaged two hearts—one healthy and one diseased—providing invaluable insights into structural differences relevant to conditions such as ischemic heart disease and arrhythmias. For instance, the detailed imaging of the cardiac conduction system sheds light on how electrical signals propagate through the heart, crucial for understanding and treating arrhythmias.
“This technology opens new avenues for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases,” noted Professor Andrew Cook, heart anatomist at UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science. “It offers a way to study anatomical variations that contribute to conditions like arrhythmia, potentially guiding more effective treatments.”
The imaging was conducted at the ESRF in Grenoble, France, home to the world’s brightest X-ray source, essential for penetrating whole organs with high-resolution X-rays. Each heart scan generated massive amounts of data—10 terabytes per heart—underscoring the computational challenges in processing such high-resolution images.
“This work not only advances our understanding of cardiovascular anatomy but also contributes to the Human Organ Atlas project,” explained Paul Tafforeau, an author from ESRF. “The ultimate goal is to create an open-access database of human organs, enhancing research worldwide.”
While this study marks a significant milestone, researchers emphasize the need to expand the dataset to encompass diverse demographics and disease states. Future efforts will focus on imaging more hearts to capture broader variations in anatomy and pathology.
The unveiling of these unprecedented heart atlases promises to revolutionize cardiovascular medicine, offering clinicians and researchers a powerful tool to advance diagnosis, treatment strategies, and surgical training.
For more details, the study can be accessed online in Radiology.
