EACVI Accreditation
The Vascular Research Clinic obtained the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) laboratory accreditation for non-invasive cardiovascular ultrasound imaging in 2019.
Mission
The laboratory is a bespoke, academic, research-focussed unit situated within the Division of Experimental Medicine & Immunotherapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It provides high-end cardiovascular imaging support for moderate to large scale cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular trials (e.g. oncology) and experimental protocols.
The main ethos of the laboratory is to conduct high-quality echocardiographic imaging for research as well as for clinical use within the frameworks set out in ICH GCP for research studies. We conduct studies to the highest standards for clinical trials of investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs) as well as non-CTIMP studies which are ethically approved.
Echocardiograms are conducted by senior echocardiographers who are British Society for Echocardiography (BSE) and European of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) accredited. All our echocardiograms are reported immediately and produced to the templates required for research studies. Studies are backed up onto standard media and in digital archives as required by trial sponsors.
Capabilities
Comprehensive echocardiographic imaging including 2D assessments of:
Left/right ventricular size and function
Regional wall motion assessments
Valvular structure and function
Doppler analyses
LV remodelling analysis
Strain and dyssynchrony analysis
3D imaging
Exercise (stress) imaging
Vascular imaging:
Carotid IMT imaging
Flow mediated dilatation
Arterial stiffness (tonometry)
Other imaging:
Maximal oxygen uptake testing
24 hour Ambulatory BP monitoring
Forearm plethysmography
Heart rate variability testing
Funding support
The clinic receives funding support from the Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, NIHR Research funding streams as well as charities such as the Medical Research Council and JP Moulton Charitable Foundation.