Technical note for post processing of jugular venous pulse, central venous pressure and velocity trace

Abstract

In this paper an original reasoning about the post processing elaboration of medical studies is presented. The aim is to suggest a method to extrapolate numerical information from clinical images. The here described elaboration is referred to ultrasound examination of internal jugular veins and central venous pressure (CVP) measures. Firstly, the operator has to collect clinical images following precise indications, then specific techniques are applied to analyze the stored data and extrapolate quantifiable measures. Analyzing the studies with ImageJ software, jugular venous pulse, velocity, CVP and electrocardiogram traces can be drown in detail. Then, significant details can be highlighted using Matlab software. Finally, using R software, the traces can be cropped, aligned and synchronized together. The obtained results allow the operator to compare different kinds of traces of the same subject, or the same type of traces between a particular group of subjects. Before using these contents, everyone is invited to verify the accuracy of assumptions, calculations and conclusions.