PhD defence M. (Mihai) Strachinaru

The assessment of the left ventricle function with echocardiography remains challenging, gives incomplete answers in a significant proportion of patients and has insufficient sensitivity for early detection of cardiac abnormalities. In an effort to overcome the gaps of our present day echocardiographic algorithms, we propose a new way of investigating the properties of the left ventricle, by using high frame rate shear wave imaging. Shear wave imaging offers a potential way of remotely ’’touching’’ the myocardium and measuring its stiffness. We prove that cardiac shear wave imaging is feasible and can be used in order to answer relevant clinical questions. Further research and technological development, starting from the basis we lay out in this thesis, may lead to a completely new way of looking at the heart function.

The public defence will take place at the Prof. Andries Queridoroom, 3rd floor Education Center, Erasmus MC. The ceremony will begin exactly at 11.30 hrs. In light of the solemn nature of the ceremony, we recommend that you do not take children under the age of 6 to the first part of the ceremony.