Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of mortality globally, affects millions of individuals and poses a significant public health challenge. Early, non-invasive diagnostic tools capable of providing clinically relevant information have the potential to improve patient care and significantly reduce CVD-related morbidity and mortality.

This project aims to advance a novel, camera-based imaging system designed to estimate carotid artery and jugular venous pressure waveforms. The system works by analyzing skin deformations on the neck caused by vessel pulsations. The research will focus on developing new methods to extract additional physiological markers, such as blood pressure and quantifying regions of maximum pulsation. The methodologies will leverage data from dual-camera imaging systems and mobile phones. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms will be employed to identify and analyze features of interest. These innovations will be validated against existing clinical methods and applied in patient cohort studies to assess their clinical utility.

The project is embedded within a multidisciplinary team comprising engineers and clinicians, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to translational research. It will involve diverse areas such as camera and optics development, imaging experiments, signal processing, data analysis, AI, and machine learning. While prior experience in medical imaging is not required, a strong interest in these domains is desired.

Desired Skills

• Programming and some instrumentation
• Interest in the cardiac field and clinical translation
• Eager to learn and be challenged

Find out more about this project and other projects on our website here.

The Auckland Bioengineering Institute - breaking boundaries in bioengineering for more than 20 years

At the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), we apply engineering and technical innovation to advancing medical care, human capability, and understanding of human physiology. Our team of world-renowned researchers are working on everything from artificial intelligence avatars, to implantable devices, to digital models of the human body. Our focus on research excellence and commercialisation adds value to society and to the global economy.

Our research makes a real difference in the world. We’ve designed sensors to diagnose stomach disease without needing invasive surgery; developed a tiny wireless implantable device to measure brain pressure and save the lives of children with hydrocephalus; and we lead the world in building digital models of the human body which will enhance personalised medicine approaches for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Join our team of researchers for a postgraduate degree and together we can make a difference. Our graduates are amongst the most employable in the world - many either continue their career in research, find employment with industry leaders such as Rocket Lab or Fisher & Paykel, or launch their own startup companies.

Our students come from over 50 different countries and a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, including Engineering, Medicine, Mathematics and Science.

Want to know what our students think about studying at the ABI? Watch this video!