Live ultrasound-based particle visualization of blood flow in the heart

Abstract

We introduce an integrated method for the acquisition, processing and visualization of live, in-vivo blood flow in the heart. The method is based on ultrasound imaging, using a plane wave acquisition acquisition protocol, which produces high frame rate ensemble data that are efficiently processed to extract directional flow information not previously available based on conventional Doppler imaging. These data are then visualized using a tailored pathlet-based visualization approach, to convey the slice-contained dynamic movement of the blood in the heart. This is especially important when imaging patients with possible congenital heart diseases, who typically exhibit complex flow patterns that are challenging to interpret. With this approach, it now is possible for the first time to achieve a real-time integration-based visualization of 2D blood flow aspects based on ultrasonic imaging. We demonstrate our solution in the context of selected cases of congenital heart diseases in neonates, showing how our technique allows for a more accurate and intuitive visualization of shunt flow and vortices.