Emboli - small but deadly

Dr Emma Chung, University of Leicester

Runner-up British Heart Foundation Reflections of Research competition 2010

Cerebral emboli are small pieces of debris that detach from the insides of diseased arteries and travel through the bloodstream to become lodged in the brain. Emboli can have deadly consequences and are a leading cause of stroke.

This film shows pieces of debris moving through a laboratory replica of the 'circle of Willis', a ring of arteries at the base of the brain. This video was recorded at 300 frames per second and has been slowed down to one tenth of normal speed one heart beat every 10 seconds. These studies provide crucial information for developing 'virtual patient' computer simulations which could help doctors to monitor people at risk of a stroke.

"The BHF supports interdisciplinary research in all areas of cardiovascular disease. My BHF fellowship has provided me with a unique opportunity to transfer my skills in physics to cardiovascular research."
Dr Emma Chung

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Chung
• Emboli