My research focuses on imaging of molecular processes during the healing phase after myocardial infarction. The target is to investigate enzyme activities, including proteases and transglutaminases, and cell trafficking during the initial inflammatory phase using optical, magnetic resonance and scintigraphic imaging modalities.

These technologies are embedded in a biologically oriented and driven research program. Of particular interest are the subacute phase of myocardial injury, the induced healing processes and its impact on left ventricular remodeling. Acute revascularisation after thrombotic closure of a coronary artery is well studied, and within the last 10 years the therapy of heart failure has improved. Nevertheless, a large fraction of patients after myocardial infarction develop heart failure, an epidemic with rapidly growing prevalence. One reason for the evolvement of heart failure is chamber dilation due to increased wall stress. A key determinant of wall stress is the ventricular volume shortly after MI, which is influenced by the scar thickness and size of a healed infarct. Little is known about the determinants of effective healing leading to a small and compact scar, and how to optimize the healing process.