Copyright Primal Pictures Ltd.

Primal Pictures aims to develop VirtualHeart - a computer simulation of heart function which will run on a standard personal computer. VirtualHeart will be an anatomically accurate, beating, interactive 3-dimensional model of the human heart. Embedded within this model, computer code will simulate the electrical stimulation and contraction of the muscle tissue. Importantly, the simulation will function in (near) real-time, which will give users a unique opportunity to explore and understand heart function. The end product will allow users to initiate a variety of pathological conditions and understand the resultant change in heart function.

The VirtualHeart will aid trainee cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in developing cognitive skills in interventional procedures such as cardiac ablation and pacing. The purpose of the application is to get trainees accustomed with surgical procedures in relation to the complexity of the heart function and not to develop hand-eye coordination skills. It will provide nursing and paramedical staff with training material related to interpretation of ECG and heart sounds. The VirtualHeart will also provide medical students with a thorough understanding of the complex anatomical, physiological and pathological relationships in heart function.

The project is partially funded by a Development Grant from London Innovation - London Development Agency, UK.
Vassili's involvement comprises of proposal writing, technical project management and implementation of R&D work-tasks on behalf of Primal Pictures.

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