Cardio vascular disease detection platform in development

Supported by the recently launched European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, the CARDIS project aims to develop low-cost, mobile device based on a silicon photonics integrated laser Doppler vibrometer for the screening of arterial stiffness and the detection of stenosis and heart failure.

Assessment of arterial stiffness by measurement of the aortic pulse wave velocity is included in the latest ESC/ESH guidelines for CVD risk classification. As well as this, early identification of arterial stenosis and cardiac contraction abnormalities can be used to improve CVD risk classification. Currently, there are no tools available to screen a large population set at primary care level on these parameters, therefore, those that are considered to be at low or moderate risk too often go undiagnosed.

Over the next three and a half years, imec will manage CARDIS through its associated laboratory located at Ghent University (Photonics Research Group in the Department of Information Technology). Medtronic Bakken Research Center will be responsible for the scientific and technical coordination of the project, while other industrial, academic and clinical partners will bring their expertise to the project. These partners include SIOS Messtechnik, University College Cork Tyndall, INSERM, Queen Mary University of London, Universiteit Maastricht, Ghent University and Fundico.