STRAP

The correct interpretation of electrocardiograms (ECGs) is crucial for accurately diagnosing cardiac abnormalities. Current methods, both manual by physicians and computerized, have not achieved the level of accuracy comparable to cardiologists in detecting acute cardiac issues. Leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence and big data, particularly deep neural networks, offers promising avenues to improve ECG interpretation where traditional methods have fallen short. The ECG-Project develops deep learning algorithms to automate ECG interpretation, particularly focusing on areas where current methods are inadequate. Through this research, we aim to revolutionize ECG interpretation, improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing healthcare resource utilization, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. The Research The project objectives are: WP1: Creating an algorithm capable of accurately and swiftly triaging ECGs through transfer learning, uncovering features in diseases with unknown ECG characteristics (such as primary arrhythmia syndromes and genetic disorders). WP2: design a portable multi-lead ecg-device, suitable for use by patients at home and healthcare professionals. This device will enable high-quality ECG acquisitions for rapid diagnosis. Origin This project is funded within the Innovative Medical Devices Initiative (IMDI) program 'Heart for Sustainable Care'. The focus of this program is the development of medical technology for the earlier detection, monitoring, and better treatment of cardiovascular diseases to ensure accessible healthcare and sufficient staffing. The program has been developed and funded by the Dutch Heart Foundation, ZonMw and NWO, who collaborate within the Dutch CardioVascular Alliance.

An aneurysm is a bulging or dilation of a blood vessel that usually causes no symptoms but can become life-threatening if it ruptures. It most commonly occurs in the body’s main artery (aorta) or in the brain arteries. Each year, thousands of people in the Netherlands are diagnosed with an aneurysm. The national initiative Aneurysm-NL brings together knowledge and research to improve diagnosis and treatment. By fostering collaboration between physicians, researchers, and patients, we aim to detect aneurysms earlier and treat them more safely, ultimately improving care and reducing mortality from this condition. The Research Aneurysm-NL aims to build a sustainable, nationwide infrastructure that connects medical centers, researchers, and patients to accelerate innovation in aneurysm research and care. A central focus is the development of a national data platform that integrates clinical records, imaging, biobank samples, and genetic information. This resource will allow researchers to reconstruct lifetime disease trajectories, improve risk prediction, and enable more personalized treatment. In parallel, the project develops advanced research tools, including patient-derived in vitro aneurysm models and large-scale omics-approaches to identify new therapeutic targets. By integrating clinical insights with computational modeling and real-world outcome data, Aneurysm-NL supports better decision-making and more effective interventions for both aortic and cerebral aneurysms. It also evaluates the safety and effectiveness of current endovascular and neurosurgical treatments for unruptured brain aneurysms through a large multicenter study. Aneurysm-NL also invests in building a strong and inclusive research community. The project emphasizes collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and patients, and actively works toward linking its infrastructure to national registries and existing healthcare data sources to ensure long-term sustainability and broad accessibility. By uniting expertise from across the country, Aneurysm-NL strives to generate new knowledge, enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis, and personalize treatment strategies for aneurysm patients. The Origin The Aneurysm-NL consortium was established following an exploratory initiative within the Dutch CardioVascular Alliance (DCVA), aimed at identifying opportunities for a national approach to aneurysm research. Based on this exploration, Barend Mees, Hanneke Takkenberg and Mervyn Vergouwen were appointed as coordinators to lead the formation of the consortium. Following a national call in April 2024, they brought together clinicians, researchers and patients from across the Netherlands to collaborate in this new initiative. With funding from the Dutch Heart Foundation, Aneurysm-NL now aims to grow into a nationwide network and data infrastructure, uniting clinical and scientific expertise to advance aneurysm research and care in the coming years.