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ERC Advanced Grant awarded to Prof. Andy Baker

ERC Advanced Grant awarded to Prof. Andy Baker

15 April 2024

Prof. Andy Baker (Dept of Pathology) has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant of €2,5M for his research project PolymiRize: Poly-miRNA targeting to prevent and reverse complex tissue remodelling after acute cardiovascular events'.

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Longer and better lives for patients with atrial fibrillation

Longer and better lives for patients with atrial fibrillation

15 April 2024

An international panel of experts published recommendations to improve management of atrial fibrillation (AF).

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Carim Maastricht
Carim Maastricht

Ben Hermans

Post doc

Dr Ben Hermans studied Medical Technology (Dutch: Biometrie) at the Zuyd University for Applied Sciences. After his graduation in 2009, he started to study Technical Medicine at the University of Twente in Enschede. In 2015 he obtained his Master’s degree after finishing his graduation internship at the departments of Biomedical Engineering, Physiology and Cardiology. In September 2015, Ben started as a PhD candidate at the department of Biomedical Engineering under supervision of prof. Delhaas, prof. Pison (Hasselt University) and dr. Postema (Amsterdam UMC). During this time, he focused on improving the diagnosis of Long-QT Syndrome by advanced signal analyses of standard electrocardiograms. After obtaining his PhD in January 2020, Ben started as a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Physiology.

Currently, Ben is involved in several projects that focus on improving treatment and/or understanding of atrial fibrillation (AF) by studying electrophysiological properties of the atria. For example, by analysing invasive direct contact mapping data or by analysing non-invasive ECG-imaging. Specific projects of research include validating the use of non-invasive ECG-imaging for atrial arrhythmias or applying new innovative signal-analysis techniques on contact mapping data from AF patients to ultimately find new ablation targets for the treatment of AF.

Ben hermans 5f7d5a2e9ef23

Department of Physiology
Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht
PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht
Room number: 3.108
T: +31(0)43 388 13 20

  • 2024
    • Hermans, B., Özgül, O., Wolf, M., Gonçalves Marques, V., van Hunnik, A., Verheule, S., Chaldoupi, S. M., Linz, D., El Haddad, M., Duytschaever, M., Bonizzi, P., Vernooy, K., Knecht, S., Zeemering, S., & Schotten, U. (2024). Selecting repetitive focal and rotational activation patterns with the highest probability of being a source of atrial fibrillation. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology Plus, 7, Article 100064. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772976124000047
  • 2023
    • Hermans, B. J. M., Bijvoet, G. P., Holtackers, R. J., Mihl, C., Luermans, J. G. L. M., Maesen, B., Vernooy, K., Linz, D., Chaldoupi, S. M., & Schotten, U. (2023). Multi-modal characterization of the left atrium by a fully automated integration of pre-procedural cardiac imaging and electro-anatomical mapping. IJC Heart and Vasculature, 49(1), Article 101276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcha.2023.101276
    • Winters, J., Isaacs, A., Zeemering, S., Kawczynski, M., Maesen, B., Maessen, J., Bidar, E., Boukens, B., Hermans, B., van Hunnik, A., Casadei, B., Fabritz, L., Chua, W., Sommerfeld, L., Guasch, E., Mont, L., Batlle, M., Hatem, S., Kirchhof, P., ... Schotten, U. (2023). Heart Failure, Female Sex, and Atrial Fibrillation Are the Main Drivers of Human Atrial Cardiomyopathy: Results From the CATCH ME Consortium. Journal of the American Heart Association, 12(22), Article e031220. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.123.031220
    • Neumann, B., Vink, A. S., Hermans, B. J. M., Lieve, K. V. V., Cömert, D., Beckmann, B.-M., Clur, S.-A. B., Blom, N. A., Delhaas, T., Wilde, A. A. M., Kääb, S., Postema, P. G., & Sinner, M. F. (2023). Manual vs. automatic assessment of the QT-interval and corrected QT. EP Europace, 25(9), 1-12. Article euad213. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euad213
    • Vink, A. S., Hermans, B. J. M., Hooglugt, J. L. Q., Peltenburg, P. J., Meijborg, V. M. F., Hofman, N., Clur, S. A. B., Blom, N. A., Delhaas, T., Wilde, A. A. M., & Postema, P. G. (2023). Diagnostic Accuracy of the Standing Test in Adults Suspected for Congenital Long-QT Syndrome. Journal of the American Heart Association, 12(14), Article e026419. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.122.026419
    • Ozgul, O., Hermans, B. JM., van Hunnik, A., Verheule, S., Schotten, U., Bonizzi, P., & Zeemering, S. (2023). High-density and high coverage composite mapping of repetitive atrial activation patterns. Computers in Biology and Medicine, 159(1), Article 106920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106920
    • Stoks, J., Hermans, B. M., Boukens, B. J. D., Holtackers, R. J., Gommers, S., Kaya, Y. S., Vernooy, K., Cluitmans, M. J. M., Volders, P. G. A., & ter Bekke, R. M. A. (2023). High-resolution structural-functional substrate-trigger characterization: Future roadmap for catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 10(1), Article 1112980. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2023.1112980
  • 2022
    • Hermans, B. J. M., Weberndörfer, V., Bijvoet, G. P., Chaldoupi, S.-M., & Linz, D. (2022). New concepts in atrial fibrillation pathophysiology. Herzschrittmachertherapie und Elektrophysiologie, 33, 362-366. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00399-022-00897-1
    • Kawczynski, M. J., Van De Walle, S., Maesen, B., Isaacs, A., Zeemering, S., Hermans, B., Vernooy, K., Maessen, J. G., Schotten, U., & Bidar, E. (2022). Preoperative P-wave parameters and risk of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of 20,201 patients. Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, 35(4), Article ivac220. https://doi.org/10.1093/icvts/ivac220
    • Heines, S. J. H., van Bussel, B. C. T., Jong, M. J. A., Bennis, F. C., van Gassel, R. J. J., Groven, R. V. M., Heijnen, N. F. L., Hermans, B. J. M., Hounjet, R., van Koll, J., Mulder, M. M. G., van de Poll, M. C. G., van Rosmalen, F., Segers, R., Steyns, S., Strauch, U., Tas, J., van der Horst, I. C. C., van Kuijk, S. M. J., & Bergmans, D. C. J. J. (2022). Pulmonary pathophysiology development of COVID-19 assessed by serial Electrical Impedance Tomography in the MaastrICCht cohort. Scientific Reports, 12(1), Article 14517. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-18843-z
    • de Veld, L., van der Lely, N., Hermans, B. J. M., van Hoof, J. J., Wong, L., & Vink, A. S. (2022). QTc prolongation in adolescents with acute alcohol intoxication. European Journal of Pediatrics, 181(7), 2757-2770. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-022-04471-2
    • Verhaert, D. V. M., Linz, D., Chaldoupi, S. M., Westra, S. W., den Uijl, D. W., Philippens, S., Kerperien, M., Habibi, Z., Vorstermans, B., ter Bekke, R. M. A., Beukema, R. J., Evertz, R., Hemels, M. E. W., Luermans, J. G. L. M., Manusama, R., Lankveld, T. A. R., van der Heijden, C. A. J., Bidar, E., Hermans, B. M., ... Schotten, U. (2022). Rationale and Design of the ISOLATION Study: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study Identifying Predictors for Successful Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in an Integrated Clinical Care and Research Pathway. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 9, Article 879139. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.879139
    • Zink, M. D., Laureanti, R., Hermans, B. J. M., Pison, L., Verheule, S., Philippens, S., Pluymaekers, N., Vroomen, M., Hermans, A., van Hunnik, A., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Vernooy, K., Linz, D., Mainardi, L., Auricchio, A., Zeemering, S., & Schotten, U. (2022). Extended ECG Improves Classification of Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Based on P- and f-Waves. Frontiers in physiology, 13, Article 779826. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.779826
    • Van Steenkiste, G., Delhaas, T., Hermans, B., Vera, L., Decloedt, A., & van Loon, G. (2022). An Exploratory Study on Vectorcardiographic Identification of the Site of Origin of Focally Induced Premature Depolarizations in Horses, Part II: The Ventricles. Animals, 12(5), Article 550. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050550
    • Van Steenkiste, G., Delhaas, T., Hermans, B., Vera, L., Decloedt, A., & van Loon, G. (2022). An Exploratory Study on Vectorcardiographic Identification of the Site of Origin of Focally Induced Premature Depolarizations in Horses, Part I: The Atria. Animals, 12(5), Article 549. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050549
  • 2021
    • Hermans, B. J. M., Zink, M. D., Rosmalen, F. V., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Vernooy, K., Postema, P., Pison, L., Schotten, U., & Delhaas, T. (2021). Corrected QT interval prolongation after ganglionated plexus ablation: myth or reality?-Authors' reply. EP Europace, 23(12), 2047-2048. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euab148
    • Hermans, B. J. M., Zink, M. D., Rosmalen, F. V., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Vernooy, K., Postema, P., Pison, L., Schotten, U., & Delhaas, T. (2021). Does pulmonary vein isolation prolong QT-interval?-Authors' reply. EP Europace, 23(12), 2046-2047. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euab153
    • ter Meulen, K. J., Hermans, B. J. M., van der Sande, F. M., Canaud, B., Konings, C. J. A. M., Kooman, J. P., & Delhaas, T. (2021). Effect of citric-acid dialysate on the QTC-interval. Scientific Reports, 11(1), Article 9909. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-89083-w
    • Vink, A. S., Hermans, B. J. M., Pimenta, J., Peltenburg, P. J., Filippini, L. H. P. M., Hofman, N., Clur, S.-A. B., Blom, N. A., Wilde, A. A. M., Delhaas, T., & Postema, P. G. (2021). Diagnostic accuracy of the response to the brief tachycardia provoked by standing in children suspected for long QT syndrome. Heart Rhythm O2, 2(2), 149-159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hroo.2021.03.005
    • van Rosmalen, F., Maesen, B., van Hunnik, A., Hermans, B. J. M., Bonizzi, P., Bidar, E., Nijs, J., Maessen, J. G., Verheule, S., Delhaas, T., Schotten, U., & Zeemering, S. (2021). Incidence, prevalence, and trajectories of repetitive conduction patterns in human atrial fibrillation. EP Europace, 23(Supplement_1), i123-i132. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euaa403
    • Hermans, B. J. M., Zink, M. D., van Rosmalen, F., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Vernooy, K., Postema, P., Pison, L., Schotten, U., & Delhaas, T. (2021). Pulmonary vein isolation in a real-world population does not influence QTc interval. EP Europace, 23, I48-I54. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euaa390
    • Hermans, B. J. M., & Linz, D. (2021). Abnormal electrograms during sinus rhythm for VT ablation: Beware of Fata Morganas. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 32(2), 389-390. https://doi.org/10.1111/jce.14855
  • 2020
    • Hermans, B. J. M., Bennis, F. C., Vink, A. S., Koopsen, T., Lyon, A., Wilde, A. A. M., Nuyens, D., Robyns, T., Pison, L., Postema, P. G., & Delhaas, T. (2020). Improving long QT syndrome diagnosis by a polynomial-based T-wave morphology characterization. Heart Rhythm, 17(5), 752-758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrthm.2019.12.020
    • Tas, J., van Gassel, R. J. J., Heines, S. J. H., Mulder, M. M. G., Heijnen, N. F. L., Acampo-de Jong, M. J., Bels, J. L. M., Bennis, F. C., Koelmann, M., Groven, R. V. M., Donkers, M. A., van Rosmalen, F., Hermans, B. J. M., Meex, S. J. R., Mingels, A., Bekers, O., Savelkoul, P., Oude Lashof, A. M. L., Wildberger, J., ... van Bussel, B. C. T. (2020). Serial measurements in COVID-19-induced acute respiratory disease to unravel heterogeneity of the disease course: design of the Maastricht Intensive Care COVID cohort (MaastrICCht). BMJ Open, 10(9), Article 040175. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040175
  • 2019
    • Delhaas, T., Andriessen, P., van Laar, J. O. E. H., Vullings, R., Hermans, B. J. M., Niemarkt, H. J., Jellema, R. K., Ophelders, D. R. M. G., Wolfs, T. G. A. M., Kramer, B. W., & Zwanenburg, A. (2019). Why-aVF can be used in STAN as a proxy for scalp electrode-derived signal; reply to comments by Kjellmer et al.PLOS ONE, 14(8), Article 0221220. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0221220
  • 2018
    • Hermans, B. J. M., Stoks, J., Bennis, F. C., Vink, A. S., Garde, A., Wilde, A. A. M., Pison, L., Postema, P. G., & Delhaas, T. (2018). Support vector machine-based assessment of the T-wave morphology improves long QT syndrome diagnosis. EP Europace, 20, 113-119. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euy243
    • Sathyaprabha, T. N., Koot, L. A. M., Hermans, B. H. M., Adoor, M., Sinha, S., Kramer, B. W., Raju, T. R., Satishchandra, P., & Delhaas, T. (2018). Effects of Chronic Carbamazepine Treatment on the ECG in Patients with Focal Seizures. Clinical Drug Investigation, 38(9), 845-851. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40261-018-0677-6
    • Engels, E. B., Mafi-Rad, M., Hermans, B. J. M., Aranda, A., van Stipdonk, A. M. W., Rienstra, M., Scheerder, C. O. S., Maass, A. H., Prinzen, F. W., & Vernooy, K. (2018). Tailoring device settings in cardiac resynchronization therapy using electrograms from pacing electrodes. EP Europace, 20(7), 1146-1153. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/eux208
    • Filippini, L. H. P. M., Postema, P. G., Zoubin, K., Hermans, B. J. M., Blom, N. A., Delhaas, T., & Wilde, A. A. M. (2018). The brisk-standing-test for long QT syndrome in prepubertal school children: defining normal. EP Europace, 20, F108-F112. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/eux259
    • Andriessen, P., Zwanenburg, A., van Laar, J. O. E. H., Vullings, R., Hermans, B. J. M., Niemarkt, H. J., Jellema, R. K., Ophelders, D. R. M. G., Wolfs, T. G. A. M., Kramer, B. W., & Delhaas, T. (2018). ST waveform analysis for monitoring hypoxic distress in fetal sheep after prolonged umbilical cord occlusion. PLOS ONE, 13(4), Article e0195978. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0195978
  • 2017
    • Hermans, B. J. M., Vink, A. S., Bennis, F. C., Filippini, L. H., Meijborg, V. M. F., Wilde, A. A. M., Pison, L., Postema, P. G., & Delhaas, T. (2017). The development and validation of an easy to use automatic QT-interval algorithm. PLOS ONE, 12(9), Article 0184352. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0184352
  • 2016
    • Zwanenburg, A., Hermans, B. J. M., Andriessen, P., Niemarkt, H. J., Jellema, R. K., Ophelders, D. R. M. G., Vullings, R., Wolfs, T. G. A. M., Kramer, B. W., & Delhaas, T. (2016). Comparison of ECG-based physiological markers for hypoxia in a preterm ovine model. Pediatric Research, 79(6), 907-915. https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2016.21
  • 2011
    • van Geldorp, I. E., Delhaas, T., Hermans, B., Vernooy, K., Broers, B., Klimusina, J., Regoli, F., Faletra, F. F., Moccetti, T., Gerritse, B., Cornelussen, R., Settels, J. J., Crijns, H. J. G. M., Auricchio, A., & Prinzen, F. W. (2011). Comparison of a non-invasive arterial pulse contour technique and echo Doppler aorta velocity-time integral on stroke volume changes in optimization of cardiac resynchronization therapy. EP Europace, 13(1), 87-95. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/euq348
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