Blood flow image voted supporters' favourite in BHF competition

An image showing a computer model of blood flow has been voted the British Heart Foundation supporters' favourite in a science image competition.

‘Lifelines’, by Francesco Iori from the Department of Aeronautics, was one of four images from Imperial College London shortlisted for ‘Reflections of Research’, which showcases images produced by BHF-funded researchers.

The image shows an artificial connection formed between an artery and vein, called an arterio-venous fistula. These connections are created surgically in patients with kidney failure who need to be connected to an external machine that cleans the blood – a method called dialysis. The fistula creates an enlarged vein from which blood can be sent into the dialysis machine.

Dr Peter Vincent, head of the lab where Francesco works, said: "Unfortunately many arterio-venous fistulae block and fail shortly after creation because of abnormal blood flow patterns. In our work we are trying to design arterio-venous fistulae with more stable flow patterns that prevent failure. To do this we use flow simulation software originally developed for the aerospace industry to design planes.

“Public engagement is an important part of modern-day academia, and hence we are delighted to have won the supporters’ choice vote! Hopefully the image gives a flavour of the highly cross-disciplinary research undertaken at Imperial."

‘The Clot Thickens’, an image of a blood clot produced by Fraser Macrae at the University of Leeds, was the judges’ winner.

Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the BHF, said: “From micro bio-engineering to help cells assemble and build tissue, through to bringing techniques from aircraft design to examine flow patterns in blood vessels, these stunning images show how we’re now able to see inside the body in intricate detail. These unique insights help us to better understand and research heart and circulatory diseases.”