Summary of the study
We are investigating blood flow in the aorta in healthy people. For this, we are looking for volunteers without cardiovascular disease. During the study, we will make MRI scans of the aorta.
introduction
Would you like to contribute to a better understanding of cardiovascular diseases? Then take part in our study!
We will make MRI scans of the aorta in healthy participants. By taking part, you help us gather valuable information about how blood flows in a healthy aorta. This knowledge is important for better understanding and treating vascular diseases in the future.
what are we working on?
The aorta is the body’s largest artery and plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen and nutrients. In vascular diseases, blood flow is often disrupted. To understand these disruptions, we first need to know what blood flow looks like in a healthy situation.
Using an MRI scanner—which works with a magnetic field and radio waves—we create images of the aorta. This allows us to measure the speed and direction of blood flow. With data from 70 healthy participants, we will study the effect of age and differences between men and women.
what do we ask of you?
The study takes about 1.5 hours in total. You will spend 50–60 minutes in the MRI scanner. During the scans:
- we measure your heart rate using electrodes (ECG);
- we ask you to follow a breathing pattern (inhale, hold your breath, exhale);
- it is important that you lie still.
You will also complete a short questionnaire about your age, height, and weight.
By participating, you make a valuable contribution to research into cardiovascular diseases.
who can participate and when?
MRI scans will be scheduled starting in October 2025 at the TechMed Center on the University of Twente campus in Enschede.
You can participate if you:
- are 18 years or older;
- have no history of cardiovascular disease (now or in the past);
- have a BMI of 30 or lower.
Beforehand, we will use a screening form to check whether the MRI scans can be performed safely for you.
additional information
- You will receive a €25 gift voucher.
- Your travel expenses will be reimbursed.
meet the researcher
ir. M.E. Krommendijk (Marleen)
PhD Candidate
Hi! I’m Marleen, a researcher in the Multi-Modality Medical Imaging (M3i) group. For my PhD research, I study the movement and blood flow in the aorta. My main focus is on the aorta when it becomes enlarged — a condition known as an aneurysm.
I conduct this research together with Dr. H. Mirgolbabaee. Our research team includes engineers, technical physicians, and vascular surgeons. The project is partly funded by Terumo Aortic, a company that develops medical devices.
I am the contact person for this study. If you would like to participate as a volunteer (or are simply interested in our work), please don’t hesitate to send me a message.
intrested in participating?
Would you like to participate? Please enter your name and email address in the registration form (and optionally your phone number). Within 3 working days, I will contact you by phone or email to see whether participation is possible and to schedule your appointment.
