Blood flow through the heart

Description

2016 First Place This pair of images shows a human heart from the front (left) and back (right). This special imaging technique 4D flow MRI captures the heart's blood flow at a single moment in time. The blood colored red is full of oxygen, flowing out to the rest of the body, while the blood colored blue is returning to be re-oxygenated by the lungs. With this technique, researchers can measure the speed and patterns of this flow: yellow and orange streaks move faster than dark red; pale blue moves faster than dark blue. They are examining this particular heart because the patient had surgery (on a heart defect) and they want to help monitor their heart health.

Abstract

This image originally appeared as part of Northwestern's Scientific Images Contest. The contest and subsequent exhibitions are organized by Science in Society, the university's research center for science education and public engagement. Further information and opportunities to participate are available on their website. Prints and canvas editions of these Northwestern research images can also be purchased online (with the small net profit going to science education and outreach programming in the Chicago area).

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