Description
The main goal of this project is to examine the influence of selected parameters of echocardiographic data acquisition (the transmitted frequency, the length of transmitted pulse, the size of the transmitting/receiving aperture or beamforming) and of type of the input data used to the myocardial strain estimation (RF data, given in the baseband, images after the conversion of the scan) on the accuracy of the results. Myocardial deformation imaging using speckle tracking method (STE - speckle tracking echocardiography) enables the quantification of deformation of the left ventricle. The nonconformity of results obtained using equipment and software from various vendors is hampering introduction of STE into the routine clinical practice. The study is expected to indicate solutions to this problem. The examinations will be conducted in physical models of left ventricle using measurement stand enabling model wall deformations similar to those observed in clinical investigations. Results of numerical simulations (FEM – Finite Element Method) will be used as reference data for the evaluation of the accuracy of the estimated deformations. The substantial results of the project will include: models of the left ventricle of the heart and the technology of producing them, unique measurement stand, algorithms of data processing and their implementations, data set obtained in numerical and physical models registered in various measurement conditions. It is expected that the project will provide guidelines concerning selection of parameters of echocardiographic data acquisition. The possibility of standardization of myocardial deformation estimation using speckle tracking method will be addressed as well. Results, knowledge and experience acquired during the project will contribute to the extension of competence and the scientific development of the Principal Investigator.
Summary of project results
Myocardial deformation imaging using speckle tracking method (STE) enables the quantification of deformation of the myocardial left ventricle (LV). The nonconformity of results obtained using equipment and software from various vendors is hampering introduction of STE into the routine clinical practice. The main objective of this project was to examine the influence of selected parameters of echocardiographic data acquisition (the transmitted frequency, the focusing zone sized and/or location, frame rate) on the accuracy of the estimated strain. It was expected that the project will provide guidelines concerning selection of parameters of echocardiographic data acquisition and indications concerning standardization of myocardial deformations estimation with the use of STE. Implementation of the STEstand project required addressing a number of tasks in the following areas: design and development of left ventricle (LV) models and measurement stand, investigation of the properties of the material used to build the LV models, development and implementation of numerical algorithms for 1D/2D signal and image processing, and numerical simulation using Finite Element Method (FEM). The project delivered substantial scientific results including: models of the left ventricle of the heart and the technology of producing them, unique measurement stand enabling mimicking complex left ventricle deformation pattern, including twist, with the possibility to record ultrasonic data using both LAX and SAX projection, algorithms of data processing and their implementations, data set obtained in numerical and physical models registered in various measurement conditions. The preliminary analysis of averaged peak strain values determined from the ultrasonic data recorded during experiments using model with homogenous wall demonstrated the dependence of the averaged peak strain values on the selected parameters of echocardiographic data acquisition, especially the focus position (for both LAX and SAX), FPS and sector size. Through analysis of the project results should give new information useful for standardization of myocardial deformation estimation using speckle tracking method.
Summary of bilateral results