PhD on Novel Ultrasound Transducers and Imaging Techniques

Tricuspid valve regurgitation affects 3 times the number of TAVR patients but > 90% remain untreated due to limitations and complexity of imaging. Intracardiac Echography (ICE) promises to enable tricuspid valve therapy by providing so far unattainable imaging insights of the complex 3D shape of the valve. However, adoption of 3D ICE is limited by complexity of catheter manipulations and steep learning curves. A localization solution for the ICE transducer enables navigation support for device manipulations and can help to propose automatic procedure relevant 3D or pseudo 3D (MPR) views based on anatomy context. It will facilitate a single-operator use of 3D ICE; reducing procedure time and removing adoption barriers.

We are looking for a solution that uses X-ray fluoroscopy as a main source of information to determine the 3D pose of an ICE catheter by analysis of the unique footprint on X-ray fluoroscopy. Other available (imaging) information from alternative modalities may be used to get an accurate estimation of all 6 degrees of freedom with the required performance (i.e. accuracy, robustness, real-time). Furthermore, we expect a proposal for ICE catheter design modification options to support image-based localization (e.g. X-ray opaque fiducial markers / patterns) for future iterations of an ICE catheter, with recommendations based on restrictions of the catheter real estate, costs and complexity. Finally, we would like to explore alternative Ultrasound-based localization options for future next-gen imaging solutions.

You will be embedded in the Photoacoustics & Ultrasound Laboratory Eindhoven (PULS/e) research group, under the supervision of dr. ir. Richard Lopata. The PULS/e group consists of a multi-disciplinary and international team of researchers that work on novel imaging US techniques, photoacoustics, image reconstruction, functional imaging, and model-based image analysis. Within this project you will be closely collaborating with and under supervision of Philips Healthcare.

Next to the research described above, you will supervise MSc / BSc students that will work on projects within the scope of your own.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2.541,- max. € 3.247,-).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.