M.Sc. Christian Götz

Arian Lösing

MotivationLeft bundle branch block (LBBB) is a cardiac conduction disorder in which electrical excitation in the left bundle branch (Tawara branch) is delayed or blocked. This results in asynchronous activation of the heart chambers, impairing cardiac function, promoting adverse cardiac remodeling, and ultimately contributing to heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and increased mortality.
Approximately 1–2% of the general population is affected by LBBB, with prevalence increasing significantly with age. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (biventricular pacing) can restore electrical synchrony in many patients, but up to one-third do not respond adequately to this treatment. Additionally, this procedure is invasive and suitable only for selected patient groups. The implantation of highly conductive materials, such as silver nanowires, into areas with impaired conduction could represent a promising alternative. By locally restoring electrical conductivity, this less invasive and technically simpler intervention could reduce procedure duration while benefiting a larger patient population.

Project
Building on initial findings, you will investigate the potential of silver nanowires for treating various forms of LBBB in different tissue configurations. You will analyze the influence of key, partially unknown parameters, such as tissue conductivity in the affected region, remodeling- or drug-induced changes in specific ion currents, and the electrophysiological interactions with fibroblasts. The goal of this work is to identify scenarios with the greatest therapeutic benefit and derive optimal strategies for the placement and conductivity of the nanowires.