Bringing 3D ultrasound into practice for cardiac quantification

Dynamic HeartModel uses algorithms to find the heart in a 3D volume acquired from the standard apical four-chamber window, with the LV and LA centered along the volume axis. The field of view should be just wide enough and deep enough to include the entire LV and LA, so that the frame rate is not reduced more than necessary. At least 14 ASE segments should be visible.

The Dynamic HeartModel algorithm uses information about the heart that was obtained through extensive training using approximately 1,000 echo images. This training allows the application to adapt the model to hearts typically seen in a clinical scenario. The application then uses a model-based segmentation algorithm to align the model to the image at increasingly finer spatial scales.

While the Dynamic HeartModel automatically detects borders, it also offers an editing interface if the user wants to fine-tune results to meet individual preference or to adjust to unusual cases.

Dynamic HeartModel enables measurement of cardiac mass in 3D, negating the need for geometric assumptions that are used in 2D imaging and can lead to errors. It also provides the ability to measure up to five beats and average the results, which provides a better basis for analysis than a single beat. An additional advantage of using 3D volumes for analysis of cardiac function is the ability to accurately measure the volume of the LV and the volume of the LA on the same cardiac cycle.

A more detailed discussion about Dynamic HeartModel and its clinical use can be found by downloading the white paper.