Automated Quantitation of 3D Echocardiograms

在第一阶段，我们开发了一种方法，超声心动图扫描的自动边界检测（ABD），是可行的临床应用。我们的过程提供的准确性超过了第一阶段的目标，并在测量体积和射血分数，并在边界位置的观察者之间的变异性。对于一组不同的患者，我们已经达到了10毫升的准确性，射血分数为4%，2.0毫米的边界位置。在第二阶段，我们建议继续研究和开发，使我们的ABD技术更接近临床用户。我们的第一个具体目标是进一步减少所需的手动输入量。我们的第二个目标是开发一个原型系统，适用于临床评价。我们的第三个目标是进行一项试点试验，以评估我们的ABD工艺的性能，为计划进行的III期更正式的多中心临床试验做准备。拟议的研究是重要的，因为定量3D回波提供了更高的准确性和可重复性，以及比目前可用的成像技术更全面的心脏状态信息。3D回波的显著优势目前不适用于临床实践，因为如果不自动化，它是不切实际的。拟议的商业应用：超声心动图边界检测的自动化使医生能够获得心脏大小、形状和功能的准确、可重复和全面的测量结果。该技术可以包括在超声系统中或在工作站中提供。该核心技术可应用于其他器官和其他成像模式。

In Phase I we developed a method for automated border detection (ABD) of echocardiographic scans that is feasible for clinical application. The accuracy of our processes provides exceeds Phase I goals and is comparable to interobserver variability in measuring volume and ejection fraction, and in border location. For a diverse set of patients, we have achieved an accuracy of 10 ml for endocardial volume, 4% for ejection fraction, and ,2.0 mm for border position. Our processes operates in 4 min. In Phase II we propose to continue research and development to move our ABD technology closer to clinical user. Our first specific aim is to reduce the amount of manual input required even further. Our second aim is to develop a prototype system suitable for clinical evaluation. Our third aim is to perform a pilot trial to evaluate the performance of our ABD process, as a preparation for a more formal, multi-center clinical trial planned for Phase III. The proposed research is important because quantitative 3D echo provides greater accuracy and reproducibility and more comprehensive information on cardiac status than currently available imaging techniques. The significant advantages of 3D echo are not currently available for clinical practice because it is impractical without automation. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Automation of echocardiogram border detection enables physicians to obtain accurate, reproducible and comprehensive measurements of the heart's size, shape and function. This technology can be included in ultrasound systems or provided in workstations. The core technology can be applied to other organs and other imaging modalities.