Periodic motion algorithm for ultrasound imaging of the heartbeat

This technology describes an algorithm to measure the electrical activity of the heart using ultrasound imaging.

Unmet Need: Non-invasive imaging-based technique for monitoring heart arrhythmias

Current ultra-fast cardiac imaging techniques utilize an electrocardiogram (ECG) or involve an invasive catheterization procedure. However, catheterization carries patient risk, while ECG sometimes fails to detect arrhythmias, such as when the atria and ventricles follow different rhythms. Thus, there is a need for an imaging-based technique to monitor heartbeat in order to detect arrhythmias.

The Technology: Non-invasive ultrasound imaging of the heartbeat

This technology enables the detection of heart arrhythmias without an ECG signal or catheterization. This technology operates by collecting images of the heart as it beats and comparing the structural changes from one cycle to the next, allowing for the simple detection of irregularities in the electrical impulses. This technology is compatible with multiple imaging techniques, including ultrasound, magnetic resonance (MR), or computerized tomography (CT) imaging techniques. The simplicity and versatility of this technology could have a significant impact on the diagnosis and monitoring of heart arrhythmias.

The technique has been successfully tested on the cardiovascular system of healthy human subjects.

Applications:

• Algorithm for electrical mapping of the heart
• High-frame-rate, non-invasive imaging test for heart arrhythmias
• Can be used with ultrasound, magnetic resonance (MR), and computerized tomography (CT) imaging
• Could be extended to visualize activity in other moving tissues

Advantages:

• High-frame-rate imaging
• Non-invasive technique
• Inexpensive
• Not reliant on additional measurements of electrical activity
• Analysis can be automated

Lead Inventor:

Elisa E. Konofagou, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Issued

Related Publications:

• Wang S, Lee WN, Provost J, Luo J, Konofagou EE. “A composite high-frame-rate system for clinical cardiovascular imaging.” IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control. 2008 Oct 7; 55(10): 2221-2233.

• Fujikura K, Luo J, Gamarnik V, Pernot M, Fukumoto R, Tilson III MD, Konofagou EE. “A novel noninvasive technique for pulse-wave imaging and characterization of clinically-significant vascular mechanical properties in vivo.” Ultrasonic Imaging. 2007 Jul 1; 29(3): 137-154.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR 2442

• Licensing Contact: Satish Rao