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This project investigates the use of high-resolution photonic temperature sensing for the rapid and minimally invasive assessment of cardiovascular function. Many clinical conditions, including heart failure, hypovolemia, and sepsis, affect blood flow and blood volume distribution. However, current monitoring techniques often provide only indirect estimates or require invasive procedures to assess key cardiovascular parameters.

We focus on thermodilution-based measurements, in which a cold saline bolus is injected into the circulation and the resulting temperature–time curve is measured downstream. From this curve, parameters such as cardiac output, mean transit time, and circulating thermal blood volume can be derived. The high temperature resolution of photonic sensing technology may enable the detection of very small temperature changes with high precision, opening new opportunities for less invasive and more accurate cardiovascular monitoring.

The project combines experimental studies in mock circulation loop setups, preclinical measurements, signal processing, thermodilution curve analysis, and computational modelling of the cardiovascular system. These models help elucidate how flow, vascular volume, heat exchange, injection characteristics, and sensor location influence the measured temperature signal.

The overall aim is to develop robust measurement and analysis methods that support real-time assessment of cardiovascular performance and volume status. In the long term, this work may contribute to personalized monitoring tools and cardiovascular digital twins for patients at risk of circulatory instability.

Prof.dr.ir. Frans van de Vosse

Dr.ir. Marcel Rutten

– TKI HSTM via the PPS allowance scheme for public-private partnerships