An automated in vitro model for the evaluation of ultrasound modalities measuring myocardial deformation

Cardiovascular Ultrasound

Technical Notes

Erik Sloth¹  Albin Stigö¹  Kim Sivesgaard²  Morten Ø Jensen³  Peter Johansen³  Hans Nygaard³ 

[1] Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Aarhus, Denmark;Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Aarhus, Denmark;Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Aarhus, Denmark;Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Research, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Aarhus, Denmark;

关键词: Remote Control;    Peak Strain;    High Frame Rate;    Vibration Exciter;    Stable Stand;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1476-7120-8-40

 received in 2010-06-15, accepted in 2010-09-07,  发布年份 2010

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundEchocardiography is the method of choice when one wishes to examine myocardial function. Qualitative assessment of the 2D grey scale images obtained is subjective, and objective methods are required. Speckle Tracking Ultrasound is an emerging technology, offering an objective mean of quantifying left ventricular wall motion. However, before a new ultrasound technology can be adopted in the clinic, accuracy and reproducibility needs to be investigated.AimIt was hypothesized that the collection of ultrasound sample data from an in vitro model could be automated. The aim was to optimize an in vitro model to allow for efficient collection of sample data.Material & MethodsA tissue-mimicking phantom was made from water, gelatin powder, psyllium fibers and a preservative. Sonomicrometry crystals were molded into the phantom. The solid phantom was mounted in a stable stand and cyclically compressed. Peak strain was then measured by Speckle Tracking Ultrasound and sonomicrometry.ResultsWe succeeded in automating the acquisition and analysis of sample data. Sample data was collected at a rate of 200 measurement pairs in 30 minutes. We found good agreement between Speckle Tracking Ultrasound and sonomicrometry in the in vitro model. Best agreement was 0.83 ± 0.70%. Worst agreement was -1.13 ± 6.46%.ConclusionsIt has been shown possible to automate a model that can be used for evaluating the in vitro accuracy and precision of ultrasound modalities measuring deformation. Sonomicrometry and Speckle Tracking Ultrasound had acceptable agreement.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Stigö et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2010