Multi-plane Echo-PIV for 3D Cardiac Flow Reconstruction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current echocardiography-based velocimetry techniques struggle to acquire three-dimensional blood flow data with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution, limiting their ability to accurately characterize complex cardiac flows and diagnose cardiac dysfunction.
Innovation Solution
A multi-planar particle image velocimetry (MPPIV) approach that reconstructs two-dimensional Echo-PIV data into three-dimensional velocity fields by employing simultaneous multi-plane recording and applying the incompressibility constraint of fluid flow, allowing for real-time quantification of complex three-dimensional flow fields inside the heart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If three-dimensional echocardiographic acquisitions are performed with existing systems, then three-dimensional blood flow information can be obtained, but the frame rate is limited and spatial and temporal resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-dimensional acquisition into multiple two-dimensional planes that can be acquired simultaneously at high frame rates. By dividing the 3D volume into several 2D slices and acquiring them in parallel using multi-plane ultrasound transducers, the system achieves both high temporal resolution (high frame rate for each plane) and sufficient spatial coverage (multiple planes covering the 3D volume), thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity.
2Measurement precision
If two-dimensional blood flow information is used to quantify cardiac dysfunction, then the information is useful, but it does not provide sufficient accuracy for characterizing complex three-dimensional flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional to three-dimensional flow characterization by acquiring velocity data in multiple 2D planes and reconstructing the 3D velocity field. This dimensional expansion allows accurate characterization of complex 3D flows while maintaining relative simplicity through the use of standard ultrasound transducers and established 2D PIV techniques applied across multiple planes, thus improving measurement precision without excessively increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If simultaneous multi-plane recording at high frequency is employed, then real-time three-dimensional velocity data can be acquired, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ultrasound transducers capable of multi-plane imaging that can acquire data from multiple planes simultaneously. This multi-functional capability allows the same transducer system to perform both 2D and 3D velocimetry measurements without requiring entirely separate specialized equipment for each function, thereby achieving real-time 3D velocity data acquisition while limiting the increase in system complexity through versatile, multi-purpose hardware.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides more accurate and physically meaningful three-dimensional blood flow information, reducing errors and noise, and improving the analysis of cardiac performance, enabling better clinical decision-making for cardiovascular patients.
Implementation Method 1
Echo Particle Image Velocimetry (Echo-PIV) is a non-invasive ultrasonic technique for finding the multi-component velocity vectors in opaque flows. It is based on particle image velocimetry (PIV), a common technique used for characterizing flow fields.
Implementation Method 2
By taking advantage of the physical constraint given by fluid incompressibility that relates different velocity components, a consistent 3D vector field can be generated.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-planar velocimetry approach to characterize 3D incompressible flows based on 2D perpendicular (or otherwise complementary) velocity fields is described. Two-dimensional velocity fields acquired on the planes are reconstructed into a 3D velocity field through interpolation and the imposition of a fluid incompressibility constraint.