Researchers develop visual tools for heart disease treatment

Researchers at King's College London have begun developing visual tools that might help improve surgery for newborn babies with a life-threatening heart disease, according to a study released Tuesday by the college.

The disease is known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). In patients with HLHS, the left side of the heart is much smaller than usual and cannot pump enough blood to the body. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing, a weak pulse and blueish skin. Without treatment, babies with HLHS quickly become seriously ill.

All babies with HLHS need a series of life-saving operations during the first few years of life. However, the severity of HLHS varies and it's not clear which surgical technique works best in each situation.

This study could give surgeons the tools they need to select the best treatment plan for each individual baby, improving their chance of survival, researchers said.

The team will analyze MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans and use advanced computer modeling techniques to create a virtual 3D model of the baby's heart before and after surgery.

The researchers are aiming to help doctors visualize the shape of each baby's heart at birth, provide more detailed information on the condition of the heart, and help surgeons monitor how it adapts to surgery.

Analyzing and comparing virtual models of babies' hearts before and after surgery will help reveal the benefits and drawbacks of different surgical techniques, researchers said.

"We hope that this new technique will help us determine the best approach for surgery and how babies might respond," said Dr Pablo Lamata, a lecturer from King's College London. Endit