Cardiovascular imaging and intervention

LARIF provides a dedicated large-animal cardiovascular research facility for translational research and preclinical studies in pigs, sheep, cattle and horses.

LARIF combines CT, MRI, echocardiography, fluoroscopy and electrophysiology within a single facility which allows researchers to investigate cardiovascular structure, function and disease using clinically relevant imaging and interventional technologies.

trolleys, screens, computer equipment around a table prepared for a patient in a large clinical room

Studies which can be supported by the facilities offered by LARIF include:

  • assessment of cardiac structure, function and perfusion
  • development and validation of cardiovascular imaging techniques
  • electrophysiology and cardiac mapping research
  • evaluation of novel cardiovascular devices and therapies
  • image-guided cardiovascular interventions.

Core capabilities

Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Siemens SOMATOM Xceed
  • 128 slice scanner
  • ECG-gated cardiac imaging
  • multiphase contrast administration
  • high-resolution anatomical and vascular imaging.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Siemens 3 Tesla (3T)
  • ECG-gated cardiac imaging
  • contrast-enhanced studies
  • assessment of cardiac structure, function and tissue characterisation
  • vascular and perfusion imaging.
Echocardiography
  • two- and three-dimensional imaging
  • non-invasive assessment of cardiac anatomy and function
  • supports longitudinal cardiovascular studies.
Fluoroscopy
  • real-time image guidance
  • support for cardiovascular interventions and device studies.
Electrophysiology laboratory
  • 80-channel Boston Scientific electrophysiology recording system
  • Abbott Precision™ 3D electroanatomic mapping
  • advanced cardiac mapping and rhythm research
  • suitable for studies ranging from sheep to horses.

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