Speaker:
David Isaacson, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Title:
Mathematical Problems Arising in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Disease and Breast Cancer
Abstract:
We explain how a number of inverse problems for Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism arise in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and breast cancer. We explain how an electrocardiogram yields information about the heart. We next explain how the electrocardiogram arises from currents within the heart and what the equations are that govern the voltages that result throughout the body. Problems of trying to improve the EKG lead to inverse problems for Maxwell's equations. We also describe how the problem of reconstructing the electrical conductivity throughout the body arises from the problems of monitoring ventilation and perfusion, as well as screening for breast cancer. Images and video will be shown.
Note:
We are always pleased when undergraduates attend the seminar. This week, we especially encourage math majors and other interested students to attend, as Professor Isaacson is speaking at the invitation of the Math Club.
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