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Chen J, Zhang L, Gu S, Jia C, Wu R. Quantitative evaluation using carotid ultrasonography-based high-frame-rate vector flow imaging in patients with low carotid stenosis. Br J Radiol 2024; 97:1476-1482. [PMID: 38885374 PMCID: PMC11256931 DOI: 10.1093/bjr/tqae115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the role of quantitative evaluation using carotid ultrasonography (US)-based high-frame-rate vector flow (V Flow) imaging in patients with low carotid stenosis. METHODS This single-centre cross-sectional study consecutively recruited volunteers without carotid plaque and patients with low carotid stenosis from August 2022 to May 2023. Patients were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups according to their head CT or MRI results within 8 weeks. All V Flow imaging examinations were performed using a Mindray Resona R9 US system. The wall shear stress (WSS) values, oscillatory shear index (OSI) values, and turbulence (Tur) indexes in the normal common carotid artery (CCA), normal carotid bifurcation (CB), and on the upstream and downstream surface of carotid plaque were measured. Pearson Chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used for counting data according to their type. For measurement data, independent sample t test and non-parametric rank sum test were used. RESULTS The results proved that patients have higher WSS values and Tur indexes of CB than volunteers, and higher WSS values were detected on the surface of the plaques in symptomatic patients. What's more, the downstream side of the plaque was more vulnerable to plaque rupture than the upstream side due to more dynamic blood flow. CONCLUSION Therefore, carotid US-based high-frame-rate V Flow imaging provides reliable mechanical biomarkers for assessing the haemodynamic change in patients with low stenosis. Our study may provide a new imaging tool for monitoring the progression of atherosclerosis and aiding the management of early atherosclerotic patients. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE Our study firstly investigated the difference of V Flow parameters on the surface of carotid plaques between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with low carotid stenosis, which is expected to provide haemodynamic information and the mechanical basis for plaque rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Luni Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Shiyao Gu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Caixia Jia
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Rong Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
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Shiravand A, Richter K, Willmann P, Eulzer P, Lawonn K, Hundertmark A, Cattaneo G. Fabrication, characterization and numerical validation of a novel thin-wall hydrogel vessel model for cardiovascular research based on a patient-specific stenotic carotid artery bifurcation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16301. [PMID: 39009618 PMCID: PMC11251049 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro vascular models, primarily made of silicone, have been utilized for decades for studying hemodynamics and supporting the development of implants for catheter-based treatments of diseases such as stenoses and aneurysms. Hydrogels have emerged as prominent materials in tissue-engineering applications, offering distinct advantages over silicone models for fabricating vascular models owing to their viscoelasticity, low friction, and tunable mechanical properties. Our study evaluated the feasibility of fabricating thin-wall, anatomical vessel models made of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel (PVA-H) based on a patient-specific carotid artery bifurcation using a combination of 3D printing and molding technologies. The model's geometry, elastic modulus, volumetric compliance, and diameter distensibility were characterized experimentally and numerically simulated. Moreover, a comparison with silicone models with the same anatomy was performed. A PVA-H vessel model was integrated into a mock circulatory loop for a preliminary ultrasound-based assessment of fluid dynamics. The vascular model's geometry was successfully replicated, and the elastic moduli amounted to 0.31 ± 0.007 MPa and 0.29 ± 0.007 MPa for PVA-H and silicone, respectively. Both materials exhibited nearly identical volumetric compliance (0.346 and 0.342% mmHg-1), which was higher compared to numerical simulation (0.248 and 0.290% mmHg-1). The diameter distensibility ranged from 0.09 to 0.20% mmHg-1 in the experiments and between 0.10 and 0.18% mmHg-1 in the numerical model at different positions along the vessel model, highlighting the influence of vessel geometry on local deformation. In conclusion, our study presents a method and provides insights into the manufacturing and mechanical characterization of hydrogel-based thin-wall vessel models, potentially allowing for a combination of fluid dynamics and tissue engineering studies in future cardio- and neurovascular research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Shiravand
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Kevin Richter
- Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Pia Willmann
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Pepe Eulzer
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Kai Lawonn
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Anna Hundertmark
- Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Giorgio Cattaneo
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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Cohen JN, Hedge ET, Greaves DK, Robertson AD, Nahas H, Yu ACH, Petersen LG, Au JS. Characterization of internal jugular vein region-specific distension and flow patterns during progressive volume shifting. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2024; 137:32-41. [PMID: 38813612 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00162.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood volume shifts during postural adjustment lead to irregular distension of the internal jugular vein (IJV). In microgravity, distension may contribute to flow stasis and thromboembolism, though the regional implications and associated risk remain unexplored. We characterized regional differences in IJV volume distension and flow complexity during progressive head-down tilt (HDT) (0°, -6°, -15°, -30°) using conventional ultrasound and vector flow imaging. We also evaluated low-pressure thigh cuffs (40 mmHg) as a fluid shifting countermeasure during -6° HDT. Total IJV volume expanded 139 ± 95% from supine position (4.6 ± 2.7 mL) to -30° HDT (10.3 ± 5.0 mL). Blood flow profiles had greater vector uniformity at the cranial IJV region (P < 0.01) and became more dispersed with increasing tilt (P < 0.01). Qualitatively, flow was more uniform throughout the IJV during its early flow cycle phase and more disorganized during late flow phase. This disorganized flow was accentuated closer to the vessel wall, near the caudal region, and during greater HDT. Low-pressure thigh cuffs during -6° HDT decreased IJV volume at the cranial region (-12 ± 15%; P < 0.01) but not the caudal region (P = 0.20), although flow uniformity was unchanged (both regions, P > 0.25). We describe a distensible IJV accommodating large volume shifts along its length. Prominent flow dispersion was primarily found at the caudal region, suggesting multidirectional blood flow. Thigh cuffs appear effective for decreasing IJV volume but effects on flow complexity are minor. Flow complexity along the vessel length is likely related to IJV distension during chronic volume shifting and may be a precipitating factor for flow stasis and future thromboembolism risk.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The internal jugular vein (IJV) facilitates cerebral outflow and is sensitive to volume shifts. Concerns about IJV expansion and fluid flow behavior in astronauts have surfaced following thromboembolism reports. Our study explored regional volume distension and blood flow complexity in the IJV during progressive volume shifting. We observed stepwise volume distension and increasing flow dispersion with head-down tilting across all regions. Flow dispersion may pose a risk of future thromboembolism during prolonged volume shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy N Cohen
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric T Hedge
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle K Greaves
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew D Robertson
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hassan Nahas
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alfred C H Yu
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lonnie G Petersen
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jason S Au
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Dong Y, Gao W, Hong S, Song D, Liu M, Du Y, Xu J, Dong F. Evaluation of Turbulence Index and Flow Pattern for Atherosclerotic Carotid Stenosis: A High-Frame-Rate Vector Flow Imaging Study. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2024; 50:549-556. [PMID: 38262885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The emerging high-frame-rate vector flow imaging provides a new way of hemodynamic evaluation for complex blood flow. This study was aimed at exploring quantitatively the characteristics of complex flow with turbulence (Tur) index and analyzing flow patterns in atherosclerotic internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) using high-frame-rate vector flow imaging. METHODS This study prospectively included 60 patients with ICAS. Tur values in different segments of stenosis and cardiac phases were compared. Spearman correlation analysis was performed between clinical plaque characteristics with turbulence grading by ln(Tur). Three complex flow patterns were qualitatively drawn on vector flow mode, and the rates of detection of flow patterns in different stenosis groups and ulceration groups were compared. RESULTS Highly disordered blood flow was observed in the stenotic (Tur [M, QR] = 12.5%, 21.5%) and distal segment (15.4%, 27.2%), particularly during systole (21.0%, 30.7%, 33.3%, 38.7%, p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that stenosis rate was correlated with turbulence grading in the stenotic (ρ = 0.65, p < 0.05) and distal segment (ρ = 0.79, p < 0.05), and ulcer formation was correlated with turbulence grading in the stenotic segment (ρ = 0.58, p < 0.05). The overall rate of detection of three flow patterns was higher in the severe stenosis group (22/22) versus the mild to moderate stenosis group (21/38) (p < 0.001) and in the ulcer group (21/23) versus the non-ulcer group (23/37) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION High-frame-rate vector flow imaging was helpful in assessing the severity and characteristics of flow turbulence. Lumen geometric factors could affect flow turbulence and blood flow patterns around the plaque. This would provide important hemodynamic information for the detection of high-risk plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghui Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjing Gao
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaofu Hong
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Di Song
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yigang Du
- Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Company, Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinfeng Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Fajin Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Mirgolbabaee H, van de Velde L, Geelkerken RH, Versluis M, Groot Jebbink E, Reijnen MMPJ. Ultrasound Particle Image Velocimetry to Investigate Potential Hemodynamic Causes of Limb Thrombosis After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair With the Anaconda Device. J Endovasc Ther 2023:15266028231219988. [PMID: 38149463 DOI: 10.1177/15266028231219988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify potential hemodynamic predictors for limb thrombosis (LT) following endovascular aneurysm repair with the Anaconda endograft in a patient-specific phantom. MATERIALS AND METHODS A thin-walled flow phantom, based on a patient's aortic anatomy and treated with an Anaconda endograft, that presented with a left-sided LT was fabricated. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound particle image velocimetry was performed to quantify time-resolved velocity fields. Measurements were performed in the same phantom with and without the Anaconda endograft, to investigate the impact of the endograft on the local flow fields. Hemodynamic parameters, namely vector complexity (VC) and residence time (RT), were calculated for both iliac arteries. RESULTS In both limbs, the vector fields were mostly unidirectional during the peak systolic and end-systolic velocity phases before and after endograft placement. Local vortical structures and complex flow fields were observed at the diastolic and transitional flow phases. The average VC was higher (0.11) in the phantom with endograft, compared to the phantom without endograft (0.05). Notably, in both left and right iliac arteries, the anterior wall regions corresponded to a 2- and 4-fold increase in VC in the phantom with endograft, respectively. RT simulations showed values of 1.3 to 6 seconds in the phantom without endograft. A higher RT (up to 25 seconds) was observed in the phantom with endograft, in which the left iliac artery, with LT in follow-up, showed 2 fluid stasis regions. CONCLUSION This in vitro study shows that unfavorable hemodynamics were present mostly in the limb that thrombosed during follow-up, with the highest VC and longest RT. These parameters might be valuable in predicting the occurrence of LT in the future. CLINICAL IMPACT This in-vitro study aimed to identify potential hemodynamic predictors for limb thrombosis following EVAR using ultrasound particle image velocimetry (echoPIV) technique. It was shown that unfavorable hemodynamic norms were present mostly in the thrombosed limb. Owing to the in-vivo feasibility of the echoPIV, future efforts should focus on the evaluation of these hemodynamic norms in clinical trials. Thereafter, using echoPIV as a bedside technique in hospitals becomes more promising. Performing echoPIV in pre-op phase may provide valuable insights for surgeons to enhance treatment planning. EchoPIV is also applicable for follow-up sessions to evaluate treatment progress and avoid/predict complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Mirgolbabaee
- Multi-Modality Medical Imaging Group, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Physics of Fluids Group, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Lennart van de Velde
- Multi-Modality Medical Imaging Group, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Physics of Fluids Group, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Robert H Geelkerken
- Multi-Modality Medical Imaging Group, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Versluis
- Physics of Fluids Group, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Erik Groot Jebbink
- Multi-Modality Medical Imaging Group, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Michel M P J Reijnen
- Multi-Modality Medical Imaging Group, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
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Henry M, Fadnes S, Lovstakken L, Mawad W, Mertens L, Nyrnes SA. Flow Dynamics in Children With Bicuspid Aortic Valve: A Blood Speckle Tracking Study. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2023; 49:2354-2360. [PMID: 37573177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is associated with progressive aortic dilation. Although the etiology is complex, altered flow dynamics is thought to play an important role. Blood speckle tracking (BST) allows for visualization and quantification of complex flow, which could be useful in identifying patients at risk of root dilation and could aid in surgical planning. The aims of this study were to assess and quantify flow in the aortic root and left ventricle using BST in children with bicuspid aortic valves. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 38 children <10 y of age were included (24 controls, 14 with BAV). Flow dynamics were examined using BST in the aortic root and left ventricle. Children with BAV had altered systolic flow patterns in the aortic root and higher aortic root average vorticity (25.9 [23.4-29.2] Hz vs. 17.8 [9.0-26.2] Hz, p < 0.05), vector complexity (0.17 [0.14-0.31] vs. 0.05 [0.02-0.13], p < 0.01) and rate of energy loss (7.9 [4.9-12.1] mW/m vs. 2.7 [1.2-7.4] mW/m, p = 0.01). Left ventricular average diastolic vorticity (20.9 ± 5.8 Hz vs. 11.4 ± 5.2 Hz, p < 0.01), kinetic energy (0.11 ± 0.05 J/m vs. 0.04 ± 0.02 J/m, p < 0.01), vector complexity (0.38 ± 0.1 vs. 0.23 ± 0.1, p < 0.01) and rate of energy loss (11.1 ± 4.8 mW/m vs. 2.7 ± 1.9 mW/m, p < 0.01) were higher in children with BAV. CONCLUSION Children with BAV exhibit altered flow dynamics in the aortic root and left ventricle in the absence of significant aortic root dilation. This may represent a substrate and potential predictor for future dilation and diastolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Solveig Fadnes
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lasse Lovstakken
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Wadi Mawad
- McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luc Mertens
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Siri Ann Nyrnes
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Children's Clinic, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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Dong Y, Hong S, Song D, Liu M, Gao W, Du Y, Xu J, Dong F. Blood Flow Turbulence Quantification of Carotid Artery With a High-Frame Rate Vector Flow Imaging. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2023; 42:427-436. [PMID: 35716339 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the feasibility and performance of Turbulence (Tur) index as a quantitative tool for carotid artery flow turbulence; to detect and compare the blood flow patterns of common carotid artery (CCA) and carotid bulb (CB) at different ages and cardiac phases in healthy adults, and thus interpret the evolvement of etiology difference between CCA and CB. METHODS Carotid flow characteristics of 40 healthy volunteers were evaluated quantitatively by a high-frame rate vector flow imaging. Three types of flow patterns were defined depending on the distributive range of complex flow during systole in CB. Comparison of mean Tur value in CCA and CB at different age groups and cardiac phases was performed. And the correlation between Tur value and the diameter ratio of proximal internal carotid artery to common carotid artery (DRpro-ica/cca) was tested. RESULTS Mean Tur values in CB were remarkably higher than that in CCA, whether during systole or diastole (P < .001). Meanwhile Tur values in CB during systole were significantly higher than that during diastole (P < .001). Flow complexity of CB showed variations among 40 participants especially in systole, whereas the flow pattern of CCA was relatively consistent. Mean Tur values were positively correlated with DRpro-ica/cca in CB (ρ = 0.69, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS V Flow imaging provided a reliable method-Tur, for quantitative analysis of carotid blood flow. It had potential to be further applied in distinguishing complex hemodynamic characteristics in high-risk people of carotid diseases for the risk stratification of cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghui Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaofu Hong
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Di Song
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenjing Gao
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Yigang Du
- Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinfeng Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Fajin Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
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8
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Poloni S, Bozzetto M, Du Y, Aiani L, Goddi A, Fiorina I, Remuzzi A. Velocity vector comparison between vector flow imaging and computational fluid dynamics in the carotid bifurcation. ULTRASONICS 2023; 128:106860. [PMID: 36244088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2022.106860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
It has been largely documented that local hemodynamic conditions, characterized by low and oscillating wall shear stresses, play a key role in the initiation and progression of vascular atherosclerotic lesions. Thus, investigation of the flow field in the carotid bifurcation can lead to early identification of vulnerable plaques. In this scenario, the development of novel non-invasive imaging tools that can be used in routine clinical practice to identify disturbed and recirculating blood flow becomes crucial. In this context, Vector Flow Imaging is becoming a relevant tool as it provides an angle independent assessment of blood flow velocity and multidimensional flow vector visualization. The purpose of the present study was to validate, in several locations of the carotid bifurcation, the high-frame rate vector flow imaging (HiFR-VFI) technique by comparing with computational fluid dynamic simulations (CFD). In all eight carotid bifurcations, HiFR-VFI accurately detected regions of laminar flow as well as recirculation and unsteady flow areas. An accurate and statistically significant agreement was observed between velocity vectors obtained by HiFR-VFI and those computed by CFD, both for vector magnitude (R = 0.85) and direction (R = 0.74). Our study demonstrated that HiFR-VFI is a valid technique for rapid and advanced visual representation of velocity field in large arteries. Thus, it has a great potential in research-based clinical practice for the identification of flow recirculation, low and oscillating velocity gradients near vessel wall. The use of HiFR-VFI may provide a great improvement in the investigation of the role of local hemodynamics in vascular pathologies, as well in the assessment of the effect of pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Poloni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Michela Bozzetto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Yigang Du
- Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Luca Aiani
- Centro Medico SME - Diagnostica per Immagini, Varese, Italy
| | - Alfredo Goddi
- Centro Medico SME - Diagnostica per Immagini, Varese, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fiorina
- Institute of Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Remuzzi
- Department of Management, Information and Production Engineering, University of Bergamo, Italy.
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9
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Mawad W, Fadnes S, Løvstakken L, Henry M, Mertens L, Nyrnes SA. Pulmonary Hypertension in Children is Associated With Abnormal Flow Patterns in the Main Pulmonary Artery as Demonstrated by Blood Speckle Tracking. CJC PEDIATRIC AND CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE 2022; 1:213-218. [PMID: 37969432 PMCID: PMC10642129 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjcpc.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Paediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance resulting in increased pulmonary artery (PA) and right ventricular pressure (RV). This is associated with disturbed flow dynamics in the PA and RV that are not well characterized. We aimed to compare flow dynamics in children with PAH compared with healthy controls using blood speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods Patients <10 years of age with PAH and healthy controls were included. We examined flow dynamics in the main PA (MPA) and right ventricle based on acquisition blood speckle tracking images obtained from the RV and PA. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed. Results Eighteen subjects were included in each group. A diastolic vortex in the MPA was identified in 16 of the patients with PAH, but not in controls. Significantly higher MPA systolic (4.84 vs 2.42 mW/m; P = 0.01) and diastolic (0.69 vs 0.14 mW/m; P = 0.01) energy loss, as well as increased vector complexity (systole: 0.21 vs 0.04, P = 0.003; diastole: 0.13 vs 0.05, P = 0.04) and diastolic vorticity (15.2 vs 4.4 Hz; P = 0.001), were noted in PAH compared with controls. Conclusion This study demonstrates the presence of abnormal flow patterns in the MPA with diastolic vortex formation in most patients with PAH. This diastolic vortex likely results from reflected waves from the distal pulmonary bed. Our data indicate that the diastolic vortex could potentially be used in the diagnosis of PAH. The clinical significance of the energy loss findings warrants further investigation in a larger cohort of patients with PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wadi Mawad
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatric, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Paediatrics, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Solveig Fadnes
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Moere & Romsdal Hospital Trust, Division of Aalesund Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Aalesund, Norway
| | - Lasse Løvstakken
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Matthew Henry
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatric, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luc Mertens
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatric, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Siri Ann Nyrnes
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Children’s Clinic, St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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10
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Park JH, Seo E, Choi W, Lee SJ. Ultrasound deep learning for monitoring of flow-vessel dynamics in murine carotid artery. ULTRASONICS 2022; 120:106636. [PMID: 34826686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2021.106636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Several arterial diseases are closely related with mechanical properties of the blood vessel and interactions of flow-vessel dynamics such as mean flow velocity, wall shear stress (WSS) and vascular strain. However, there is an opportunity to improve the measurement accuracy of vascular properties and hemodynamics by adopting deep learning-based ultrasound imaging for flow-vessel dynamics (DL-UFV). In this study, the DL-UFV is proposed by devising an integrated neural network for super-resolved localization and vessel wall segmentation, and it is also combined with tissue motion estimation and flow measurement techniques such as speckle image velocimetry and speckle tracking velocimetry for measuring velocity field information of blood flow. Performance of the DL-UFV is verified by comparing with other conventional techniques in tissue-mimicking phantoms. After the performance verification, in vivo feasibility is demonstrated in the murine carotid artery with different pathologies: aging and diabetes mellitus (DM). The mutual comparison of flow-vessel dynamics and histological analyses shows correlations between the immunoreactive region and abnormal flow-vessel dynamics interactions. The DL-UFV improves biases in measurements of velocity, WSS, and strain with up to 4.6-fold, 15.1-fold, and 22.2-fold in the tissue-mimicking phantom, respectively. Mean flow velocities and WSS values of the DM group decrease by 30% and 20% of those of the control group, respectively. Mean flow velocities and WSS values of the aging group (34.11 cm/s and 13.17 dyne/cm2) are slightly smaller than those of the control group (36.22 cm/s and 14.25 dyne/cm2). However, the strain values of the aging and DM groups are much smaller than those of the control group (p < 0.05). This study shows that the DL-UFV performs better than the conventional ultrasound-based flow and strain measurement techniques for measuring vascular stiffness and complicated flow-vessel dynamics. Furthermore, the DL-UFV demonstrates its excellent performance in the analysis of the hemodynamic and hemorheological effects of DM and aging on the flow and vascular characteristics. This work provides useful hemodynamic information, including mean flow velocity, WSS and strain with high-resolution for diagnosing the pathogenesis of arterial diseases. This information can be used for monitoring progression and regression of atherosclerotic diseases in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hong Park
- Center for Bionics, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunseok Seo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang 37679, Republic of Korea
| | - Woorak Choi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang 37679, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Joon Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77, Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang 37679, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Zhao R, Zheng H, Wang W, Du Y, Tong Y, Wen C. Quantitative Evaluation of Post-stenotic Blood Flow Disturbance in Canine Femoral Artery Stenosis Model: An Early Experience With Vector Flow Imaging. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:829825. [PMID: 35282375 PMCID: PMC8907590 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.829825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the value of Vector Flow Imaging (V Flow) in the assessment of post-stenotic turbulence in the canine arterial stenosis model. Materials and Methods Canine femoral artery stenosis models were established using ameroid constrictors in 12 beagle dogs. 50% and then 70% femoral artery stenoses were confirmed by selective femoral artery angiography. V Flow was used to measure femoral artery flow turbulence index (Tur) preoperatively as a baseline. After establishing of a 50% and then 70% stenoses, the Tur indices were recorded in the femoral artery at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19 mm distal to the stenosis. Results Baseline Tur indices of normal canine femoral arteries were <1% in 11 of 12 cases (91.7%). Distal to a 50% stenosis, the Tur index (>1%) was recorded in 83.3–100% cases between 1 and 9 mm, 41.7–58.3% between 11 and 17 mm, and 16.7% at 19 mm. For a 70% stenosis, the Tur index (>1%) occurred in 81.8–100% cases between 1 and 17 mm distal to the stenosis, and 63.6% at 19 mm. The Tur index peaked around 7 mm or 2.3 times of the initial vessel diameter (3 mm) downstream for a 50% stenosis and 11 mm or 3.7 times of vessel diameter downstream for a 70% stenosis. Conclusion V Flow with Tur index measurement adds quantitative information of post-stenotic turbulence when assessing an arterial stenosis with ultrasound. Tur index of 1% seems a useful threshold for assessment of flow turbulence in this small sample study. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to evaluate the value of V Flow in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhao
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haining Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yigang Du
- Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Yisha Tong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Yisha Tong
| | - Chaoyang Wen
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Chaoyang Wen
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12
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Nguyen TQ, Bechsgaard T, Schmidt MR, Juul K, Moshavegh R, Lönn L, Nielsen MB, Jensen JA, Hansen KL. Transthoracic Vector Flow Imaging in Pediatric Patients with Valvular Stenosis - A Proof of Concept Study. Ultrasound Int Open 2021; 7:E48-E54. [PMID: 34804771 PMCID: PMC8598391 DOI: 10.1055/a-1652-1261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
Continuous wave Doppler ultrasound is routinely used to detect
cardiac valve stenoses. Vector flow imaging (VFI) is an angle-independent
real-time ultrasound method that can quantify flow complexity. We aimed to
evaluate if quantification of flow complexity could reliably assess valvular
stenosis in pediatric patients.
Materials and Methods
Nine pediatric patients with echocardiographically
confirmed valvular stenosis were included in the study. VFI and Doppler
measurements were compared with transvalvular peak-to-peak pressure differences
derived from invasive endovascular catheterization.
Results
Vector concentration correlated with the catheter measurements
before intervention after exclusion of one outlier (r=−0.83,
p=0.01), whereas the Doppler method did not (r=0.49,
p=0.22). The change in vector concentration after intervention
correlated strongly with the change in the measured catheter pressure difference
(r=−0.86, p=0.003), while Doppler showed a tendency for
a moderate correlation (r=0.63, p=0.07).
Conclusion
Transthoracic flow complexity quantification calculated from
VFI data is feasible and may be useful for assessing valvular stenosis severity
in pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tin-Quoc Nguyen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet Diagnostisk Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thor Bechsgaard
- Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Klaus Juul
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Lars Lönn
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet Diagnostisk Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Bachmann Nielsen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet Diagnostisk Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Arendt Jensen
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Lindskov Hansen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet Diagnostisk Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
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13
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Engelhard S, van Helvert M, Voorneveld J, Bosch JG, Lajoinie GPR, Versluis M, Groot Jebbink E, Reijnen MMPJ. US Velocimetry in Participants with Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease. Radiology 2021; 301:332-338. [PMID: 34427462 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2021210454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background The accurate quantification of blood flow in aortoiliac arteries is challenging but clinically relevant because local flow patterns can influence atherosclerotic disease. Purpose To investigate the feasibility and clinical application of two-dimensional blood flow quantification using high-frame-rate contrast-enhanced US (HFR-CEUS) and particle image velocimetry (PIV), or US velocimetry, in participants with aortoiliac stenosis. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, participants with a recently diagnosed aortoiliac stenosis underwent HFR-CEUS measurements of the pre- and poststenotic vessel segments (August 2018 to July 2019). Two-dimensional quantification of blood flow was achieved by performing PIV analysis, which was based on pairwise cross-correlation of the HFR-CEUS images. Visual inspection of the entire data set was performed by five observers to evaluate the ability of the technique to enable adequate visualization of blood flow. The contrast-to-background ratio and average vector correlation were calculated. In two participants who showed flow disturbances, the flow complexity and vorticity were calculated. Results Thirty-five participants (median age, 67 years; age range, 56-84 years; 22 men) were included. Visual scoring showed that flow quantification was achieved in 41 of 42 locations. In 25 locations, one or multiple issues occurred that limited optimal flow quantification, including loss of correlation during systole (n = 12), shadow regions (n = 8), a short vessel segment in the image plane (n = 7), and loss of contrast during diastole (n = 5). In the remaining 16 locations, optimal quantification was achieved. The contrast-to-background ratio was higher during systole than during diastole (11.0 ± 2.9 vs 6.9 ± 3.4, respectively; P < .001), whereas the vector correlation was lower (0.58 ± 0.21 vs 0.47 ± 0.13; P < .001). The flow complexity and vorticity were high in regions with disturbed flow. Conclusion Blood flow quantification with US velocimetry is feasible in patients with an aortoiliac stenosis, but several challenges must be overcome before implementation into clinical practice. Clinical trial registration no. NTR6980 © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Engelhard
- From the Department of Vascular Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Wagnerlaan 55, 6815 AD Arnhem, the Netherlands (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.); Multi-modality Medical Imaging Group (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.) and Physics of Fluids Group (S.E., M.v.H., G.P.R.L., M.V.), Technical Medical (TechMed) Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thorax Center, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (J.V., J.G.B.)
| | - Majorie van Helvert
- From the Department of Vascular Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Wagnerlaan 55, 6815 AD Arnhem, the Netherlands (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.); Multi-modality Medical Imaging Group (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.) and Physics of Fluids Group (S.E., M.v.H., G.P.R.L., M.V.), Technical Medical (TechMed) Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thorax Center, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (J.V., J.G.B.)
| | - Jason Voorneveld
- From the Department of Vascular Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Wagnerlaan 55, 6815 AD Arnhem, the Netherlands (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.); Multi-modality Medical Imaging Group (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.) and Physics of Fluids Group (S.E., M.v.H., G.P.R.L., M.V.), Technical Medical (TechMed) Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thorax Center, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (J.V., J.G.B.)
| | - Johan G Bosch
- From the Department of Vascular Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Wagnerlaan 55, 6815 AD Arnhem, the Netherlands (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.); Multi-modality Medical Imaging Group (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.) and Physics of Fluids Group (S.E., M.v.H., G.P.R.L., M.V.), Technical Medical (TechMed) Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thorax Center, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (J.V., J.G.B.)
| | - Guillaume P R Lajoinie
- From the Department of Vascular Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Wagnerlaan 55, 6815 AD Arnhem, the Netherlands (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.); Multi-modality Medical Imaging Group (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.) and Physics of Fluids Group (S.E., M.v.H., G.P.R.L., M.V.), Technical Medical (TechMed) Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thorax Center, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (J.V., J.G.B.)
| | - Michel Versluis
- From the Department of Vascular Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Wagnerlaan 55, 6815 AD Arnhem, the Netherlands (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.); Multi-modality Medical Imaging Group (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.) and Physics of Fluids Group (S.E., M.v.H., G.P.R.L., M.V.), Technical Medical (TechMed) Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thorax Center, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (J.V., J.G.B.)
| | - Erik Groot Jebbink
- From the Department of Vascular Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Wagnerlaan 55, 6815 AD Arnhem, the Netherlands (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.); Multi-modality Medical Imaging Group (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.) and Physics of Fluids Group (S.E., M.v.H., G.P.R.L., M.V.), Technical Medical (TechMed) Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thorax Center, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (J.V., J.G.B.)
| | - Michel M P J Reijnen
- From the Department of Vascular Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Wagnerlaan 55, 6815 AD Arnhem, the Netherlands (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.); Multi-modality Medical Imaging Group (S.E., M.v.H., E.G.J., M.M.P.J.R.) and Physics of Fluids Group (S.E., M.v.H., G.P.R.L., M.V.), Technical Medical (TechMed) Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands; and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thorax Center, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (J.V., J.G.B.)
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14
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Brandt AH, Olesen JB, Moshavegh R, Jensen JA, Nielsen MB, Hansen KL. Common Carotid Artery Volume Flow: A Comparison Study between Ultrasound Vector Flow Imaging and Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Neurol Int 2021; 13:269-278. [PMID: 34201493 PMCID: PMC8293467 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint13030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Volume flow estimation in the common carotid artery (CCA) can assess the absolute hemodynamic effect of a carotid stenosis. The aim of this study was to compare a commercial vector flow imaging (VFI) setup against the reference method magnetic resonance phase contrast angiography (MRA) for volume flow estimation in the CCA. Ten healthy volunteers were scanned with VFI and MRA over the CCA. VFI had an improved precision of 19.2% compared to MRA of 31.9% (p = 0.061). VFI estimated significantly lower volume flow than MRA (mean difference: 63.2 mL/min, p = 0.017), whilst the correlation between VFI and MRA was strong (R2 = 0.81, p < 0.0001). A Bland–Altman plot indicated a systematic bias. After bias correction, the percentage error was reduced from 41.0% to 25.2%. This study indicated that a VFI setup for volume flow estimation is precise and strongly correlated to MRA volume flow estimation, and after correcting for the systematic bias, VFI and MRA become interchangeable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hjelm Brandt
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.B.N.); (K.L.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | - Jørgen Arendt Jensen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Michael Bachmann Nielsen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.B.N.); (K.L.H.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Lindskov Hansen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.B.N.); (K.L.H.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Ekroll IK, Perrot V, Liebgott H, Avdal J. Tapered Vector Doppler for Improved Quantification of Low Velocity Blood Flow. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2021; 68:1017-1031. [PMID: 33021928 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2020.3028874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A new vector velocity estimation scheme is developed, termed tapered vector Doppler (TVD), aiming to improve the accuracy of low velocity flow estimation. This is done by assessing the effects of singular value decomposition (SVD) and finite impulse response (FIR) filters and designing an estimator which accounts for signal loss due to filtering. Synthetic data created using a combination of in vivo recordings and flow simulations were used to investigate scenarios with low blood flow, in combination with true clutter motion. Using this approach, the accuracy and precision of TVD was investigated for a range of clutter-to-blood and signal-to-noise ratios. The results indicated that for the investigated carotid application and setup, the SVD filter performed as a frequency-based filter. For both SVD and FIR filters, suppression of the clutter signal resulted in large bias and variance in the estimated blood velocity magnitude and direction close to the vessel walls. Application of the proposed tapering technique yielded significant improvement in the accuracy and precision of near-wall vector velocity measurements, compared to non-TVD and weighted least squares approaches. In synthetic data, for a blood SNR of 5 dB, and in a near-wall region where the average blood velocity was 9 cm/s, the use of tapering reduced the average velocity magnitude bias from 26.3 to 1.4 cm/s. Complex flow in a carotid bifurcation was used to demonstrate the in vivo performance of TVD, and it was shown that tapering enables vector velocity estimation less affected by clutter and clutter filtering than what could be obtained by adaptive filter design only.
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16
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Qiu Y, Dong Y, Mao F, Zhang Q, Yang D, Chen K, Shi S, Zuo D, Tian X, Yu L, Wang WP. High-Frame Rate Vector Flow Imaging Technique: Initial Application in Evaluating the Hemodynamic Changes of Carotid Stenosis Caused by Atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:617391. [PMID: 33763457 PMCID: PMC7982422 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.617391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the value of high-frame rate vector flow imaging technique (V flow) in evaluating the hemodynamic changes of carotid stenosis caused by atherosclerotic plaques. Methods and Materials: In this prospective study, patients with stenosis rate (diameter) ≥30% caused by carotid atherosclerotic plaques were included. Degrees of carotid stenosis were graded according to North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria: moderate (30–69%) or severe (70–99%). Mindray Resona 7s ultrasound machine with a linear array transducer (3–11 MHz) was used for ultrasound examinations. The mean WSS value of carotid arteries was measured at the proximal, narrowest region and distal of carotid stenosis. The mean WSS values were correlated with peak systolic velocity (PSV) measured by color Doppler flow imaging and stenosis degree detected by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The vector arrows and flow streamline detected by V flow dynamic imaging were analyzed. Imaging findings of DSA in carotid arteries were used as the gold standard. Results: Finally, 51 patients were included. V flow measurements were performed successfully in 17 patients (100%) with moderate-grade stenosis and in 30 patients (88.2%) with severe-grade stenosis. Dynamic V flow imaging showed yellow or red vectors at the stenotic segment, indicating fast speed blood flow (up to 260.92 cm/s). Changes of streamlines were detected in the stenotic segment. The mean WSS value measured at the narrowest region of the carotid artery had a moderately positive correlation with stenosis degree (r = 0.58, P < 0.05) and PSV value (r = 0.54, P < 0.05), respectively. Significant difference was detected in mean WSS value at the narrowest region of the carotid artery between severe carotid stenosis (1.47 ± 0.97 Pa) and moderate carotid stenosis (0.96 ± 0.44 Pa) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The hemodynamic changes detected by V flow of the carotid stenosis might be a potential non-invasive imaging tool for assessing the degree of carotid stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Qiu
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Mao
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Daohui Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kailing Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuainan Shi
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Zuo
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofan Tian
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyun Yu
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Ping Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Perrot V, Ekroll IK, Avdal J, Saxhaug LM, Dalen H, Vray D, Lovstakken L, Liebgott H. Translation of Simultaneous Vessel Wall Motion and Vectorial Blood Flow Imaging in Healthy and Diseased Carotids to the Clinic: A Pilot Study. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2021; 68:558-569. [PMID: 32776877 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2020.3015340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the clinical feasibility of simultaneous extraction of vessel wall motion and vectorial blood flow at high frame rates for both extraction of clinical markers and visual inspection. If available in the clinic, such a technique would allow a better estimation of plaque vulnerability and improved evaluation of the overall arterial health of patients. In this study, both healthy volunteers and patients were recruited and scanned using a planewave acquisition scheme that provided a data set of 43 carotid recordings in total. The vessel wall motion was extracted based on the complex autocorrelation of the signals received, while the vector flow was extracted using the transverse oscillation technique. Wall motion and vector flow were extracted at high frame rates, which allowed for a visual appreciation of tissue movement and blood flow simultaneously. Several clinical markers were extracted, and visual inspections of the wall motion and flow were conducted. From all the potential markers, young healthy volunteers had smaller artery diameter (7.72 mm) compared with diseased patients (9.56 mm) ( p -value ≤ 0.001), 66% of diseased patients had backflow compared with less than 10% for the other patients ( p -value ≤ 0.05), a carotid with a pulse wave velocity extracted from the wall velocity greater than 7 m/s was always a diseased vessel, and the peak wall shear rate decreased as the risk increases. Based on both the pathological markers and the visual inspection of tissue motion and vector flow, we conclude that the clinical feasibility of this approach is demonstrated. Larger and more disease-specific studies using such an approach will lead to better understanding and evaluation of vessels, which can translate to future use in the clinic.
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18
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Non-invasive estimation of relative pressure for intracardiac flows using virtual work-energy. Med Image Anal 2020; 68:101948. [PMID: 33383332 DOI: 10.1016/j.media.2020.101948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Intracardiac blood flow is driven by differences in relative pressure, and assessing these is critical in understanding cardiac disease. Non-invasive image-based methods exist to assess relative pressure, however, the complex flow and dynamically moving fluid domain of the intracardiac space limits assessment. Recently, we proposed a method, νWERP, utilizing an auxiliary virtual field to probe relative pressure through complex, and previously inaccessible flow domains. Here we present an extension of νWERP for intracardiac flow assessments, solving the virtual field over sub-domains to effectively handle the dynamically shifting flow domain. The extended νWERP is validated in an in-silico benchmark problem, as well as in a patient-specific simulation model of the left heart, proving accurate over ranges of realistic image resolutions and noise levels, as well as superior to alternative approaches. Lastly, the extended νWERP is applied on clinically acquired 4D Flow MRI data, exhibiting realistic ventricular relative pressure patterns, as well as indicating signs of diastolic dysfunction in an exemplifying patient case. Summarized, the extended νWERP approach represents a directly applicable implementation for intracardiac flow assessments.
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19
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Nguyen TQ, Traberg MS, Olesen JB, Heerwagen ST, Brandt AH, Bechsgaard T, Pedersen BL, Moshavegh R, Lönn L, Jensen JA, Nielsen MB, Hansen KL. Flow Complexity Estimation in Dysfunctional Arteriovenous Dialysis Fistulas using Vector Flow Imaging. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:2493-2504. [PMID: 32595057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive assessment is preferred for monitoring arteriovenous dialysis fistulas (AVFs). Vector concentration assesses flow complexity, which may correlate with stenosis severity. We determined whether vector concentration could assess stenosis severity in dysfunctional AVFs. Vector concentration was estimated in four stenotic phantoms at different pulse repetition frequencies. Spectral Doppler peak velocity and vector concentration were measured in 12 patients with dysfunctional AVFs. Additionally, 5 patients underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA). In phantoms, vector concentration exhibited an inverse relationship with stenosis severity and was less affected by aliasing in severe stenoses. In nine stenoses of 5 patients undergoing DSA, vector concentration correlated strongly with stenosis severity (first stenosis: r = -0.73, p = 0.04; other stenoses; r = -0.69, p = 0.02) and mid-stenotic diameter (first stenosis: r = 0.87, p = 0.006; other stenoses: r = 0.70, p = 0.02) as opposed to peak velocities (p > 0.05). Vector concentration is less affected by aliasing in severe stenoses and correlates with DSA in patients with dysfunctional AVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tin-Quoc Nguyen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Marie Sand Traberg
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jacob Bjerring Olesen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark; BK Medical, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | | | - Thor Bechsgaard
- Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | | | - Ramin Moshavegh
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark; BK Medical, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lars Lönn
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Arendt Jensen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Michael Bachmann Nielsen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Lindskov Hansen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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20
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van Knippenberg L, van Sloun RJG, Shulepov S, Bouwman RA, Mischi M. An Angle-Independent Cross-Sectional Doppler Method for Flow Estimation in the Common Carotid Artery. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2020; 67:1513-1524. [PMID: 32086206 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2020.2975315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Doppler ultrasound is the most common technique for noninvasive quantification of blood flow, which, in turn, is of major clinical importance for the assessment of the cardiovascular condition. In this article, a method is proposed in which the vessel is imaged in the short axis, which has the advantage of capturing the whole flow profile while measuring the vessel area simultaneously. This view is easier to obtain than the longitudinal image that is currently used in flow velocity estimation, reducing operator dependence. However, the Doppler angle in cross-sectional images is unknown since the vessel wall can no longer be used to estimate the flow direction. The proposed method to estimate the Doppler angle in these images is based on the elliptical intersection between a cylindrical vessel and the ultrasound plane. The parameters of this ellipse (major axis, minor axis, and rotation) are used to estimate the Doppler angle by solving a least-squares problem. Theoretical feasibility was shown in a geometrical model, after which the Doppler angle was estimated in simulated ultrasound images generated in Field II, yielding a mean error within 4°. In vitro, across 15 short-axis measurements with a wide variety of Doppler angles, errors in the flow estimates were below 10%, and in vivo, the average velocities in systole obtained from longitudinal ( v=69.1 cm/s) and cross-sectional ( v=66.5 cm/s) acquisitions were in agreement. Further research is required to validate these results on a larger population.
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21
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Brandt AH, Nguyen TQ, Gutte H, Frederik Carlsen J, Moshavegh R, Jensen JA, Bachmann Nielsen M, Hansen KL. Carotid Stenosis Assessment with Vector Concentration before and after Stenting. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E420. [PMID: 32575759 PMCID: PMC7345475 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10060420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is considered the reference method for the assessment of carotid artery stenosis; however, the procedure is invasive and accompanied by ionizing radiation. Velocity estimation with duplex ultrasound (DUS) is widely used for carotid artery stenosis assessment since no radiation or intravenous contrast is required; however, the method is angle-dependent. Vector concentration (VC) is a parameter for flow complexity assessment derived from the angle independent ultrasound method vector flow imaging (VFI), and VC has shown to correlate strongly with stenosis degree. The aim of this study was to compare VC estimates and DUS estimated peak-systolic (PSV) and end-diastolic velocities (EDV) for carotid artery stenosis patients, with the stenosis degree obtained with DSA. Eleven patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis were examined with DUS, VFI, and DSA before and after stent treatment. Compared to DSA, VC showed a strong correlation (r = -0.79, p < 0.001), while PSV (r = 0.68, p = 0.002) and EDV (r = 0.51, p = 0.048) obtained with DUS showed a moderate correlation. VFI using VC calculations may be a useful ultrasound method for carotid artery stenosis and stent patency assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hjelm Brandt
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (T.-Q.N.); (H.G.); (J.F.C.); (M.B.N.); (K.L.H.)
| | - Tin-Quoc Nguyen
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (T.-Q.N.); (H.G.); (J.F.C.); (M.B.N.); (K.L.H.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Gutte
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (T.-Q.N.); (H.G.); (J.F.C.); (M.B.N.); (K.L.H.)
| | - Jonathan Frederik Carlsen
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (T.-Q.N.); (H.G.); (J.F.C.); (M.B.N.); (K.L.H.)
| | | | - Jørgen Arendt Jensen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Michael Bachmann Nielsen
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (T.-Q.N.); (H.G.); (J.F.C.); (M.B.N.); (K.L.H.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Lindskov Hansen
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (T.-Q.N.); (H.G.); (J.F.C.); (M.B.N.); (K.L.H.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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22
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Marlevi D, Ha H, Dillon-Murphy D, Fernandes JF, Fovargue D, Colarieti-Tosti M, Larsson M, Lamata P, Figueroa CA, Ebbers T, Nordsletten DA. Non-invasive estimation of relative pressure in turbulent flow using virtual work-energy. Med Image Anal 2020; 60:101627. [PMID: 31865280 DOI: 10.1016/j.media.2019.101627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Vascular pressure differences are established risk markers for a number of cardiovascular diseases. Relative pressures are, however, often driven by turbulence-induced flow fluctuations, where conventional non-invasive methods may yield inaccurate results. Recently, we proposed a novel method for non-turbulent flows, νWERP, utilizing the concept of virtual work-energy to accurately probe relative pressure through complex branching vasculature. Here, we present an extension of this approach for turbulent flows: νWERP-t. We present a theoretical method derivation based on flow covariance, quantifying the impact of flow fluctuations on relative pressure. νWERP-t is tested on a set of in-vitro stenotic flow phantoms with data acquired by 4D flow MRI with six-directional flow encoding, as well as on a patient-specific in-silico model of an acute aortic dissection. Over all tests νWERP-t shows improved accuracy over alternative energy-based approaches, with excellent recovery of estimated relative pressures. In particular, the use of a guaranteed divergence-free virtual field improves accuracy in cases where turbulent flows skew the apparent divergence of the acquired field. With the original νWERP allowing for assessment of relative pressure into previously inaccessible vasculatures, the extended νWERP-t further enlarges the method's clinical scope, underlining its potential as a novel tool for assessing relative pressure in-vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Marlevi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11, 14152, Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyds sjukhus, Mörbygårdsvägen, Danderyd, 18288, Sweden.
| | - Hojin Ha
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences and Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping Unversity, Linköping, SE-58185, Sweden; Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Desmond Dillon-Murphy
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom.
| | - Joao F Fernandes
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom.
| | - Daniel Fovargue
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom.
| | - Massimiliano Colarieti-Tosti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11, 14152, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Matilda Larsson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Hälsovägen 11, 14152, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Pablo Lamata
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom.
| | - C Alberto Figueroa
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom; Department of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, 48109, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Tino Ebbers
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences and Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping Unversity, Linköping, SE-58185, Sweden.
| | - David A Nordsletten
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom; Department of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, 48109, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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23
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Au JS, Yiu BYS, So H, Chee AJY, Greaves DK, Hughson RL, Yu ACH. Ultrasound vector projectile imaging for detection of altered carotid bifurcation hemodynamics during reductions in cardiac output. Med Phys 2019; 47:431-440. [PMID: 31693196 DOI: 10.1002/mp.13905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Complex blood flow is commonly observed in the carotid bifurcation, although the factors that regulate these patterns beyond arterial geometry are unknown. The emergence of high-frame-rate ultrasound vector flow imaging allows for noninvasive, time-resolved analysis of complex hemodynamic behavior in humans, and it can potentially help researchers understand which physiological stressors can alter carotid bifurcation hemodynamics in vivo. Here, we seek to pursue the first use of vector projectile imaging (VPI), a dynamic form of vector flow imaging, to analyze the regulation of carotid bifurcation hemodynamics during experimental reductions in cardiac output induced via a physiological stressor called lower body negative pressure (LBNP). METHODS Seven healthy adults (age: 27 ± 4 yr, 4 men) underwent LBNP at -45 mmHg to simulate a postural hemodynamic response in a controlled environment. Using a research-grade, high-frame-rate ultrasound platform, vector flow estimation in each subject's right carotid bifurcation was performed through a multi-angle plane wave imaging (two transmission angles of 10° and -10°) formulation, and VPI cineloops were generated at a frame rate of 750 fps. Vector concentration was quantified by the resultant blood velocity vector angles within a region of interest; lower concentration indicated greater flow dispersion. Discrete concentration values during peak and late systole were compared across different segments of the carotid artery bifurcation before, and during, LBNP. RESULTS Vector projectile imaging revealed that external and internal carotid arteries exhibited regional hemodynamic changes during LBNP, which acted to reduce both the subject's cardiac output (Δ - 1.2 ± 0.5 L/min, -19%; P < 0.01) and peak carotid blood velocity (Δ - 6.30 ± 8.27 cm/s, -7%; P = 0.05). In these carotid artery branches, the vector concentration time trace before and during LBNP were observed to be different. The impact of LBNP on flow complexity in the two carotid artery branches showed variations between subjects. CONCLUSIONS Using VPI, intuitive visualization of complex hemodynamic changes can be obtained in healthy humans subjected to LBNP. This imaging tool has potential for further applications in vascular physiology to identify and quantify complex hemodynamic features in humans during different physiological stressor tests that regulate hemodynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason S Au
- Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, 250 Laurelwood Dr., Waterloo, N2J0E2, Canada.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Billy Y S Yiu
- Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, 250 Laurelwood Dr., Waterloo, N2J0E2, Canada.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Hélène So
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Adrian J Y Chee
- Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, 250 Laurelwood Dr., Waterloo, N2J0E2, Canada.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Danielle K Greaves
- Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, 250 Laurelwood Dr., Waterloo, N2J0E2, Canada.,University of Caen Normandy, Espl. De la Paix, 14032, Caen, France
| | - Richard L Hughson
- Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, 250 Laurelwood Dr., Waterloo, N2J0E2, Canada
| | - Alfred C H Yu
- Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, 250 Laurelwood Dr., Waterloo, N2J0E2, Canada.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, N2L3G1, Canada
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24
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Saris AECM, Hansen HHG, Fekkes S, Menssen J, Nillesen MM, de Korte CL. In Vivo Blood Velocity Vector Imaging Using Adaptive Velocity Compounding in the Carotid Artery Bifurcation. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2019; 45:1691-1707. [PMID: 31079874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Visualization and quantification of blood flow are considered important for early detection of atherosclerosis and patient-specific diagnosis and intervention. As conventional Doppler imaging is limited to 1-D velocity estimates, 2-D and 3-D techniques are being developed. We introduce an adaptive velocity compounding technique that estimates the 2-D velocity vector field using predominantly axial displacements estimated by speckle tracking from dual-angle plane wave acquisitions. Straight-vessel experiments with a 7.8-MHz linear array transducer connected to a Verasonics Vantage ultrasound system revealed that the technique performed with a maximum velocity magnitude bias and angle bias of -3.7% (2.8% standard deviation) and -0.16° (0.41° standard deviation), respectively. In vivo, complex flow patterns were visualized in two healthy and three diseased carotid arteries and quantified using a vector complexity measure that increased with increasing wall irregularity. This measure could potentially be a relevant clinical parameter which might aid in early detection of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E C M Saris
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Centre (MUSIC), Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Hendrik H G Hansen
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Centre (MUSIC), Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Stein Fekkes
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Centre (MUSIC), Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Menssen
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Centre (MUSIC), Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje M Nillesen
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Centre (MUSIC), Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Chris L de Korte
- Medical Ultrasound Imaging Centre (MUSIC), Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Physics of Fluid Group, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, and MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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25
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Chayer B, van den Hoven M, Cardinal MHR, Li H, Swillens A, Lopata R, Cloutier G. Atherosclerotic carotid bifurcation phantoms with stenotic soft inclusions for ultrasound flow and vessel wall elastography imaging. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 64:095025. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ab1145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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26
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Hansen KL, Hansen PM, Ewertsen C, Lönn L, Jensen JA, Nielsen MB. Vector Flow Imaging Compared with Digital Subtraction Angiography for Stenosis Assessment in the Superficial Femoral Artery - A Study of Vector Concentration, Velocity Ratio and Stenosis Degree Percentage. Ultrasound Int Open 2019; 5:E53-E59. [PMID: 30886943 PMCID: PMC6420338 DOI: 10.1055/a-0853-2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Stenosis of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) induces complex blood flow with increased velocities. Disease assessment is performed with Doppler ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography (DSA), but Doppler ultrasound is limited by angle dependency and DSA by ionizing radiation. An alternative is the vector flow imaging method based on transverse oscillation (TO), an angle-independent vector velocity technique using ultrasound. In this study, flow complexity and velocity measured with TO were compared with DSA for the assessment of stenosis in the SFA. Materials and Methods The vector concentration, a measure of flow complexity, and the velocity ratio obtained from the stenosis and a disease-free adjacent vessel segment, were estimated with TO in 11 patients with a total of 16 stenoses of the SFA. TO data were compared with the corresponding stenosis degree percentage obtained with DSA. Results The correlation between the vector concentration and DSA was very strong (R=0.93; p<0.001; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81-0.98), while only moderate for velocity ratio and DSA (R=0.50; p<0.07; 95% CI: 0.00-0.80). The correlation coefficients that were found were significantly different (p<0.005) without overlapping CI. Conclusion The study indicated that flow changes in the SFA induced by stenosis can be quantified with TO, and that stenosis grading may be improved by estimation of flow complexity instead of velocity ratio. TO is a potential diagnostic tool for the assessment of atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristoffer Lindskov Hansen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Møller Hansen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline Ewertsen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Lönn
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Vascular Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Arendt Jensen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Technical University of Denmark, DTU Elektro, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Michael Bachmann Nielsen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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27
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Bechsgaard T, Hansen KL, Brandt A, Moshavegh R, Forman JL, Føgh P, Klitfod L, Bækgaard N, Lönn L, Jensen JA, Nielsen MB. Evaluation of Peak Reflux Velocities with Vector Flow Imaging and Spectral Doppler Ultrasound in Varicose Veins. Ultrasound Int Open 2018; 4:E91-E98. [PMID: 30276359 PMCID: PMC6162191 DOI: 10.1055/a-0643-4430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Spectral Doppler ultrasound (SDUS) is used for quantifying reflux in lower extremity varicose veins. The technique is angle-dependent opposed to the new angle-independent Vector Flow Imaging (VFI) method. The aim of this study was to compare peak reflux velocities obtained with VFI and SDUS in patients with chronic venous disease, i. e., pathological retrograde blood flow caused by incompetent venous valves. Materials and Methods 64 patients with chronic venous disease were scanned with VFI and SDUS in the great or the small saphenous vein, and reflux velocities were compared to three assessment tools for chronic venous disease. A flow rig was used to assess the accuracy and precision of the two methods. Results The mean peak reflux velocities differed significantly (VFI: 47.4 cm/s vs. SDUS: 62.0 cm/s, p<0.001). No difference in absolute precision (p=0.18) nor relative precision (p=0.79) was found. No correlation to disease severity, according to assessment tools, was found for peak reflux velocities obtained with either method. In vitro, VFI was more accurate but equally precise when compared to SDUS. Conclusion Both VFI and SDUS detected the pathologic retrograde flow in varicose veins but measured different reflux velocities with equal precision. VFI may play a role in evaluating venous disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andreas Brandt
- Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, 2100 Copenhagen Oe, Denmark
| | - Ramin Moshavegh
- The Technical University of Denmark, Department of Electrical Engineering Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Julie Lyng Forman
- Copenhagen University, Department of Public Health Section of Biostatistics, 1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Pia Føgh
- Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Department of Vascular Surgery Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Lotte Klitfod
- Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Department of Vascular Surgery Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Niels Bækgaard
- Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Department of Vascular Surgery Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Lars Lönn
- Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, DK, Radiology, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Arendt Jensen
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Electrical Engineering Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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28
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Bechsgaard T, Hansen KL, Brandt AH, Moshavegh R, Forman JL, Føgh P, Klitfod L, Bækgaard N, Lönn L, Nielsen MB, Jensen JA. Respiratory variability of peak velocities in the common femoral vein estimated with vector flow imaging and Doppler ultrasound. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2018; 44:1941-1950. [PMID: 29960752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory variability of peak velocities (RVPV) in the common femoral vein measured with ultrasound can reveal venous outflow obstruction. Pulse wave (PW) Doppler is the gold standard for venous velocity estimation of the lower extremities. PW Doppler measurements are angle dependent, whereas vector flow imaging (VFI) can yield angle-independent measures. The hypothesis of the present study was that VFI can provide RVPV estimations without the angle dependency of PW Doppler for an improved venous disease assessment. Sixty-seven patients with symptomatic chronic venous disease were included in the study. On average, VFI measured a lower RVPV than PW Doppler (VFI: 14.11 cm/s; PW: 17.32 cm/s, p = 0.002) with a non-significant improved precision compared with PW Doppler (VFI: 21.09%; PW: 26.49%, p = 0.08). In a flow phantom, VFI had improved accuracy (p < 0.01) and equal precision compared with PW Doppler. The study indicated that VFI can characterize the hemodynamic fluctuations in the common femoral vein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thor Bechsgaard
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet - Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Kristoffer Lindskov Hansen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet - Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Andreas Hjelm Brandt
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet - Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Ramin Moshavegh
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Julie Lyng Forman
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Pia Føgh
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet & Gentofte Hospital - Copenhagen University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Lotte Klitfod
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet & Gentofte Hospital - Copenhagen University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Niels Bækgaard
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet & Gentofte Hospital - Copenhagen University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Lars Lönn
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet - Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Michael Bachmann Nielsen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Rigshospitalet - Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Arendt Jensen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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29
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Goddi A, Bortolotto C, Raciti MV, Fiorina I, Aiani L, Magistretti G, Sacchi A, Tinelli C, Calliada F. High-Frame Rate Vector Flow Imaging of the Carotid Bifurcation in Healthy Adults: Comparison With Color Doppler Imaging. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2018; 37:2263-2275. [PMID: 29574932 DOI: 10.1002/jum.14579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the carotid bifurcation in healthy adults using a commercial system equipped with high-frame rate vector flow imaging (VFI) based on the plane wave and to compare VFI with color Doppler imaging. METHODS Carotid bifurcation diameters and flow characteristics of 60 vessels in 60 healthy volunteers were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively to assess complex flow patterns and their extension and duration. RESULTS Complex flow in the internal carotid artery (ICA) was associated with a statistically significant difference in the ΔICA sinus-to-common carotid artery (CCA) diameter ratio (the relative change in diameter between the CCA and ICA sinus.) Vector flow imaging and color Doppler imaging were in accordance when detecting complex flow in 96.7% of cases; in 3.3% of cases, only VFI identified small recirculation areas of short duration. Vector flow imaging highlighted a larger extension of the complex flow (mean ± SD, 47.7 ± 28.5 mm2 ; median, 45.5 mm2 ) compared with color Doppler imaging (mean, 29.2 ± 19.9 mm2 ; median, 29.5 mm2 ) and better depicted different complex flow patterns; a strong correlation (r = 0.84) was found between the ΔICA sinus-to-CCA diameter ratio and the complex flow extension. Vector flow imaging showed a longer duration of the flow disturbances (mean, 380 ± 218 milliseconds; median, 352.5 milliseconds) compared with color Doppler imaging (mean, 325 ± 206 milliseconds; median, 333 milliseconds), and there was a strong correlation (r = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS Vector flow imaging is as effective as color Doppler imaging in the detection of flow disturbances, but it is more powerful in the assessment of complex flow patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Goddi
- Centro Medico SME-Diagnostica per Immagini, Varese, Italy
| | - Chandra Bortolotto
- Radiology Unit, University of Pavia, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Raciti
- Radiology Unit, University of Pavia, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fiorina
- Radiology Unit, University of Pavia, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Aiani
- Centro Medico SME-Diagnostica per Immagini, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Sacchi
- Centro Medico SME-Diagnostica per Immagini, Varese, Italy
| | - Carmine Tinelli
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biometric Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Calliada
- Radiology Unit, University of Pavia, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Brandt AH, Hansen KL, Ewertsen C, Holbek S, Olesen JB, Moshavegh R, Thomsen C, Jensen JA, Nielsen MB. A Comparison Study of Vector Velocity, Spectral Doppler and Magnetic Resonance of Blood Flow in the Common Carotid Artery. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2018; 44:1751-1761. [PMID: 29804906 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance phase contrast angiography (MRA) is the gold standard for blood flow evaluation. Spectral Doppler ultrasound (SDU) is the first clinical choice, although the method is angle dependent. Vector flow imaging (VFI) is an angle-independent ultrasound method. The aim of the study was to compare VFI- and SDU-estimated peak systolic velocities (PSV) of the common carotid artery (CCA) with PSV obtained by MRA. Furthermore, intra- and inter-observer agreement was determined. MRA estimates were significantly different from SDU estimates (left CCA: p < 0.001, right CCA: p < 0.001), but not from VFI estimates (left CCA: p = 0.28, right CCA: p = 0.18). VFI measured lower PSV in both CCAs compared with SDU (p < 0.001) with improved precision (VFI: left: 24%, right: 18%; SDU: left 38%, right: 23%). Intra- and inter-observer agreement was almost perfect for VFI and SDU (inter-observer correlation coefficient: VFI 0.88, SDU 0.91; intra-observer correlation coefficient: VFI 0.96, SDU 0.97). VFI is more accurate than SDU in evaluating PSV compared with MRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hjelm Brandt
- Department of Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Caroline Ewertsen
- Department of Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simon Holbek
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jacob Bjerring Olesen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ramin Moshavegh
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Carsten Thomsen
- Department of Radiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Radiology, Zealand University Hospital Roskilde, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Arendt Jensen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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31
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Jensen J, Hoyos CAV, Traberg MS, Olesen JB, Tomov BG, Moshavegh R, Holbek S, Stuart MB, Ewertsen C, Hansen KL, Thomsen C, Nielsen MB, Jensen JA. Accuracy and Precision of a Plane Wave Vector Flow Imaging Method in the Healthy Carotid Artery. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2018; 44:1727-1741. [PMID: 29735315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2018.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the study described here was to investigate the accuracy and precision of a plane wave 2-D vector flow imaging (VFI) method in laminar and complex blood flow conditions in the healthy carotid artery. The approach was to study (i) the accuracy for complex flow by comparing the velocity field from a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to VFI estimates obtained from the scan of an anthropomorphic flow phantom and from an in vivo scan; (ii) the accuracy for laminar unidirectional flow in vivo by comparing peak systolic velocities from VFI with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA); (iii) the precision of VFI estimation in vivo at several evaluation points in the vessels. The carotid artery at the bifurcation was scanned using both fast plane wave ultrasound and MRA in 10 healthy volunteers. The MRA geometry acquired from one of the volunteers was used to fabricate an anthropomorphic flow phantom, which was also scanned using the fast plane wave sequence. The same geometry was used in a CFD simulation to calculate the velocity field. Results indicated that similar flow patterns and vortices were estimated with CFD and VFI in the phantom for the carotid bifurcation. The root-mean-square difference between CFD and VFI was within 0.12 m/s for velocity estimates in the common carotid artery and the internal branch. The root-mean-square difference was 0.17 m/s in the external branch. For the 10 volunteers, the mean difference between VFI and MRA was -0.17 m/s for peak systolic velocities of laminar flow in vivo. The precision in vivo was calculated as the mean standard deviation (SD) of estimates aligned to the heart cycle and was highest in the center of the common carotid artery (SD = 3.6% for velocity magnitudes and 4.5° for angles) and lowest in the external branch and for vortices (SD = 10.2% for velocity magnitudes and 39° for angles). The results indicate that plane wave VFI measures flow precisely and that estimates are in good agreement with a CFD simulation and MRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Jensen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.
| | | | - Marie Sand Traberg
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jacob Bjerring Olesen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Borislav Gueorguiev Tomov
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ramin Moshavegh
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Simon Holbek
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Matthias Bo Stuart
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Caroline Ewertsen
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Carsten Thomsen
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jørgen Arendt Jensen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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32
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Fekkes S, Saris AECM, Nillesen MM, Menssen J, Hansen HHG, de Korte CL. Simultaneous Vascular Strain and Blood Vector Velocity Imaging Using High-Frequency Versus Conventional-Frequency Plane Wave Ultrasound: A Phantom Study. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2018; 65:1166-1181. [PMID: 29993371 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2018.2834724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Plaque strain and blood vector velocity imaging of stenosed arteries are expected to aid in diagnosis and prevention of cerebrovascular disease. Ultrafast plane wave imaging enables simultaneous strain and velocity estimation. Multiple ultrasound vendors are introducing high-frequency ultrasound probes and systems. This paper investigates whether the use of high-frequency ultrafast ultrasound is beneficial for assessing blood velocities and strain in arteries. The performance of strain and blood flow velocity estimation was compared between a high-frequency transducer (MS250, fc = 21 MHz) and a clinically utilized transducer (L12-5, fc = 9 MHz). Quantitative analysis based on straight tube phantom experiments revealed that the MS250 outperformed the L12-5 in the superficial region: low velocities near the wall were more accurately estimated and wall strains were better resolved. At greater than 2-cm echo depth, the L12-5 performed better due to the high attenuation of the MS250 probe. Qualitative comparison using a perfused patient-specific carotid bifurcation phantom confirmed these findings. Thus, in conclusion, for strain and blood velocity estimation for depths up to ~2 cm, a high-frequency probe is recommended.
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Brandt AH, Moshavegh R, Hansen KL, Bechsgaard T, Lönn L, Jensen JA, Nielsen MB. Vector Flow Imaging Compared with Pulse Wave Doppler for Estimation of Peak Velocity in the Portal Vein. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2018; 44:593-601. [PMID: 29223701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The study described here investigated whether angle-independent vector flow imaging (VFI) technique estimates peak velocities in the portal vein comparably to pulsed wave Doppler (PWD). Furthermore, intra- and inter-observer agreement was assessed in a substudy. VFI and PWD peak velocities were estimated with from intercostal and subcostal views for 32 healthy volunteers, and precision analyses were conducted. Blinded to estimates, three physicians rescanned 10 volunteers for intra- and inter-observer agreement analyses. The precision of VFI and PWD was 18% and 28% from an intercostal view and 23% and 77% from a subcostal view, respectively. Bias between VFI and PWD was 0.57 cm/s (p = 0.38) with an intercostal view and 9.89 cm/s (p <0.001) with a subcostal view. Intra- and inter-observer agreement was highest for VFI (inter-observer intra-class correlation coefficient: VFI 0.80, PWD 0.3; intra-observer intra-class correlation coefficient: VFI 0.90, PWD 0.69). Regardless of scan view, VFI was more precise than PWD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hjelm Brandt
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ramin Moshavegh
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Thor Bechsgaard
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Lönn
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Arendt Jensen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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34
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Hansen KL, Møller-Sørensen H, Kjaergaard J, Jensen MB, Jensen JA, Nielsen MB. Aortic Valve Stenosis Increases Helical Flow and Flow Complexity: A Study of Intra-Operative Cardiac Vector Flow Imaging. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:1607-1617. [PMID: 28495300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Aortic valve stenosis alters blood flow in the ascending aorta. Using intra-operative vector flow imaging on the ascending aorta, secondary helical flow during peak systole and diastole, as well as flow complexity of primary flow during systole, were investigated in patients with normal, stenotic and replaced aortic valves. Peak systolic helical flow, diastolic helical flow and flow complexity during systole differed between the groups (p < 0.0001), and correlated to peak systolic velocity (R = 0.94, 0.87 and 0.88, respectively). The study indicates that aortic valve stenosis increases helical flow and flow complexity, which are measurable with vector flow imaging. For assessment of aortic stenosis and optimization of valve surgery, vector flow imaging may be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jørgen Arendt Jensen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, DTU Elektro, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
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35
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Hansen KL, Nielsen MB, Jensen JA. Vector velocity estimation of blood flow - A new application in medical ultrasound. ULTRASOUND : JOURNAL OF THE BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY 2017; 25:189-199. [PMID: 29163655 DOI: 10.1177/1742271x17713353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Vector flow techniques in the field of ultrasound encompass different pulse emission and estimation strategies. Numerous techniques have been introduced over the years, and recently commercial implementations usable in the clinic have been made. A number of clinical papers using different vector velocity approaches have been published. This review will give an overview of the most significant in vivo results achieved with ultrasound vector flow techniques, and will outline some of the possible clinical applications for vector velocity estimation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jørgen Arendt Jensen
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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36
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High-frame rate vector flow imaging of the carotid bifurcation. Insights Imaging 2017; 8:319-328. [PMID: 28500487 PMCID: PMC5438320 DOI: 10.1007/s13244-017-0554-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Carotid artery atherosclerotic disease is still a significant cause of cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. A new angle-independent technique, measuring and visualizing blood flow velocities in all directions, called vector flow imaging (VFI) is becoming available from several vendors. VFI can provide more intuitive and quantitative imaging of vortex formation, which is not clearly distinguishable in the color Doppler image. VFI, as quantitative method assessing disturbed flow patterns of the carotid bifurcation, has the potential to allow better understanding of the diagnostic value of complex flow and to enhance risk stratification. This pictorial review article will show which new information VFI adds for the knowledge of hemodynamics in comparison to the conventional ultrasound techniques. Teaching points • VFI is an angle-independent technique measuring flow velocities in all directions. • This kind of VFI is based on a plane wave multidirectional excitation technique. • VFI allows quantitative assessment of carotid streamlines progression and visualizes vorticity. • VFI does not allow a precise comprehension of streamlines’ 3D shape. • VFI allows a better understanding of carotid artery complex flows. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13244-017-0554-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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37
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Jensen JA, Nikolov SI, Yu ACH, Garcia D. Ultrasound Vector Flow Imaging-Part I: Sequential Systems. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2016; 63:1704-1721. [PMID: 27824555 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2016.2600763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper gives a review of the most important methods for blood velocity vector flow imaging (VFI) for conventional sequential data acquisition. This includes multibeam methods, speckle tracking, transverse oscillation, color flow mapping derived VFI, directional beamforming, and variants of these. The review covers both 2-D and 3-D velocity estimation and gives a historical perspective on the development along with a summary of various vector flow visualization algorithms. The current state of the art is explained along with an overview of clinical studies conducted and methods for presenting and using VFI. A number of examples of VFI images are presented, and the current limitations and potential solutions are discussed.
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38
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Hussain B, Yiu BYS, Yu ACH, Lacefield JC, Poepping TL. Investigation of Crossbeam Multi-receiver Configurations for Accurate 3-D Vector Doppler Velocity Estimation. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2016; 63:1786-1798. [PMID: 27824561 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2016.2597135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
An accurate estimation of low blood velocities whose Doppler shifts span the wall filter cutoff, such as near the wall in recirculation or disturbed flow regions, is important for accurate mapping of velocities to achieve improved estimations of wall shear stress and turbulence, which are known risk factors for atherosclerosis and stroke. This paper presents the comparative benefit of increasing the number of receiver beams above three for an improved estimation of low 3-D velocities. The 3-D crossbeam vector Doppler ultrasound configurations were studied in terms of the number of receiver beams, interbeam angle, and beam selection method (criterion for discriminating between tissue and blood Doppler signals) for a range of velocity orientations, which may prove useful in the design of a future 2-D array for vascular imaging. For maximum velocity resolution, a shallow gradient of low flow velocities up to 5 cm/s was generated across a large-diameter (2.46 cm) straight vessel. Data were acquired using a linear array rotated around the central transmit beam axis to generate three- to eight-receiver (3R-8R) configurations;the rotation of each configuration relative to the flow axis was used to mimic a broad range of velocity vector orientations. Accuracy and precision for ≥5 receivers were consistently better over all velocity orientations and for all selection methods. For a velocity magnitude of 2 cm/s, the best accuracy and precision in both magnitude and direction (~21% ± 13%, <1° ± 9°, respectively) were seen with a 5R configuration using a weighted least-squares selection method. Asymmetry in the 5R configuration led to an improved accuracy and precision compared with that in symmetrical 6R and 8R configurations. The results demonstrated relatively little to no benefit from more than five receiver beams.
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39
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Hansen KL, Møller-Sørensen H, Kjaergaard J, Jensen MB, Lund JT, Pedersen MM, Lange T, Jensen JA, Nielsen MB. Intra-Operative Vector Flow Imaging Using Ultrasound of the Ascending Aorta among 40 Patients with Normal, Stenotic and Replaced Aortic Valves. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2016; 42:2414-2422. [PMID: 27471116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Stenosis of the aortic valve gives rise to more complex blood flows with increased velocities. The angle-independent vector flow ultrasound technique transverse oscillation was employed intra-operatively on the ascending aorta of (I) 20 patients with a healthy aortic valve and 20 patients with aortic stenosis before (IIa) and after (IIb) valve replacement. The results indicate that aortic stenosis increased flow complexity (p < 0.0001), induced systolic backflow (p < 0.003) and reduced systolic jet width (p < 0.0001). After valve replacement, the systolic backflow and jet width were normalized (p < 0.52 and p < 0.22), but flow complexity was not (p < 0.0001). Flow complexity (p < 0.0001), systolic jet width (p < 0.0001) and systolic backflow (p < 0.001) were associated with peak systolic velocity. The study found that aortic stenosis changes blood flow in the ascending aorta and valve replacement corrects some of these changes. Transverse oscillation may be useful for assessment of aortic stenosis and optimization of valve surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maiken Brit Jensen
- Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Department, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Theis Lange
- Biostatistics Department, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Arendt Jensen
- Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging, DTU Elektro, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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40
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Carallo C, Tripolino C, De Franceschi MS, Irace C, Xu XY, Gnasso A. Carotid endothelial shear stress reduction with aging is associated with plaque development in twelve years. Atherosclerosis 2016; 251:63-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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41
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Leow CH, Bazigou E, Eckersley RJ, Yu ACH, Weinberg PD, Tang MX. Flow Velocity Mapping Using Contrast Enhanced High-Frame-Rate Plane Wave Ultrasound and Image Tracking: Methods and Initial in Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2015; 41:2913-2925. [PMID: 26275971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2015.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound imaging is the most widely used method for visualising and quantifying blood flow in medical practice, but existing techniques have various limitations in terms of imaging sensitivity, field of view, flow angle dependence, and imaging depth. In this study, we developed an ultrasound imaging velocimetry approach capable of visualising and quantifying dynamic flow, by combining high-frame-rate plane wave ultrasound imaging, microbubble contrast agents, pulse inversion contrast imaging and speckle image tracking algorithms. The system was initially evaluated in vitro on both straight and carotid-mimicking vessels with steady and pulsatile flows and in vivo in the rabbit aorta. Colour and spectral Doppler measurements were also made. Initial flow mapping results were compared with theoretical prediction and reference Doppler measurements and indicate the potential of the new system as a highly sensitive, accurate, angle-independent and full field-of-view velocity mapping tool capable of tracking and quantifying fast and dynamic flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee Hau Leow
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Bazigou
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J Eckersley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alfred C H Yu
- Medical Engineering Program, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Peter D Weinberg
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Meng-Xing Tang
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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42
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Hoskins PR, Kenwright DA. Recent developments in vascular ultrasound technology. ULTRASOUND : JOURNAL OF THE BRITISH MEDICAL ULTRASOUND SOCIETY 2015; 23:158-65. [PMID: 27433252 DOI: 10.1177/1742271x15578778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This article describes four technologies relevant to vascular ultrasound which are available commercially in 2015, and traces their origin back through the research literature. The technologies are 3D ultrasound and its use in plaque volume estimation (first described in 1994), colour vector Doppler for flow visualisation (1994), wall motion for estimation of arterial stiffness (1968), and shear wave elastography imaging of the arterial wall (2010). Overall these technologies have contributed to the understanding of vascular disease but have had little impact on clinical practice. The basic toolkit for vascular ultrasound has for the last 25 years been real-time B-mode, colour flow and spectral Doppler. What has changed over this time is improvement in image quality. Looking ahead it is noted that 2D array transducers and high frame rate imaging continue to spread through the commercial vascular ultrasound sector and both have the potential to impact on clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Hoskins
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ
| | - D A Kenwright
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ
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