A system for myocardial perfusion assessment based on video- and rf-data analysis

Abstract

A new system is presented by means of which myocardial perfusion can be observed and assessed. This is achieved by parallelly recording the original transducer-generated rf-data as well as the video-data usually employed for the CRT-display. The rf-data are digitized and stored using a transient recorder. Processing them possibly leads to more detailed information about the myocardial perfusion. The comparability of the results of the video- and the rf-data analysis, respectively, is tested for the present with a mechanical circulation-model providing simulational features like capillar-models or the possibility of real-time flow-measurements in a heart-like, ventricular chamber-system. The quantification of wash-out-effects depending on the kind of sonicated contrast-medium is shown. Further results obtained with myocardial tissue mimicking phantoms and real hearts, especially using rf-data, will be presented.