PhD Study : Computational Modelling of Ventricular Biomechanics in Children Diagnosed with Hypertrophic Heart Failure

Summary

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. The thickened heart muscle can make it harder for the heart to pump blood. Moreover, it is an inherited, autosomal dominant primary heart disease. Despite its rare prevalence in paediatric subjects, HCM carries a relevant risk of mortality and morbidity in children. HCM may result in impaired peak apical ventricular rotation, torsion and untwisting rate and relatively high ventricular mass. HCM is often associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction– reduced ability of the left ventricle to relax fully. This translates to reduced left ventricular filling and, therefore, reduced cardiac output. Although in adults information about the diagnosis and risk stratification of HCM is well established, there is limited data on the cardiac function and biomechanics in children diagnosed with HCM. Computational models simulating cardiac biomechanics provide a powerful tool for evaluating and predicting the complex behaviours of the heart and play an important role in translating patient-specific models toward strategies for understanding and treating cardiac diseases. Therefore, a computer model simulating ventricular biomechanics in children with HCM may help to understand effect of hypertrophy on cardiovascular physiology better.

The primary aim of this project is to develop patient-specific computational models simulating altered ventricular biomechanics over a cardiac cycle in children diagnosed with HCM. A statistical shape model (SSM) and Magnetic resonance images (MRI) from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and University College London will be used to create patient-specific 3D ventricular geometries for the HCM ventricles. Also, a 3D ventricular geometry from a healthy subject will be created to use as a reference model. Finite element analyses (FEA) will be utilised to simulate ventricular biomechanics in a healthy case and HCM models. Effects of regional hypertrophy in HCM on the cardiac function will be evaluated by comparing the simulation results from the computer models simulating healthy and HCM ventricular biomechanics. Computational modelling of ventricular mechanics will be done in collaboration with University College London and the interaction between the blood and ventricular wall will be done in collaboration with University of Sussex.

We are looking for candidates with mechanical or biomedical engineering or related background and strong computational modelling and FEA skills.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living