NIH-funded research R21 grant

Using AI to detect heart activation patterns from MRI images

Official title: Deep Learning To Automate Late Mechanical Activation Detection From Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Images

Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11091450 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on using smart computer technology to help find areas in the heart that aren't working properly in MRI images, which could make treatments for heart failure patients more effective.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project startMay 1, 2023
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$188,736
NIH project number5R21EB032597-03
Project IDNIH-11091450 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with heart failure who are undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients without heart failure or those not undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to identify late mechanical activation (LMA) in cardiac MRI images. By analyzing standard cine cardiac magnetic resonance images, the project aims to automate the detection of LMA sites and compute circumferential uniformity estimates. The goal is to enhance the guidance of device-based therapies, such as cardiac resynchronization therapy, for heart failure patients. The research utilizes a unique dataset from over 200 patients, incorporating various health metrics and imaging data to improve accuracy and predict patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and timely identification of heart activation issues, improving treatment outcomes for heart failure patients.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using machine learning techniques for medical imaging, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Virginia
    Charlottesville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Zhang, Miaomiao — University of Virginia
  • Study coordinator: Zhang, Miaomiao

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.