Intraventricular 4-D vector flow mapping by Doppler echo – 4D-iVFM

The intracardiac blood flow vortex that forms during diastole, measured by 4D-CMR (cardiac magnetic resonance, 4-D = 3-D + time), reflects the filling capacity of the left heart. Since intracardiac blood flow imaging by CMR cannot be used in clinical routine, a fast and 100% clinically compatible echo-Doppler tool will be developed: 4-D intraventricular Vector Flow Mapping (4D-iVFM).

4D-iVFM will be exhaustively validated by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics). A clinical software package will be developed for use in echocardiography departments. 4D-iVFM will offer new ultrasound perspectives on the left ventricular filling function.

To achieve our goal of a robust and turnkey 4D-iVFM Doppler-based modality, we will adopt an in-silico and in-vivo methodology. 4D-iVFM will be generated from the triplane Doppler velocities available (before scan conversion) in GE Healthcare's latest ultrasound devices. We will test 4D-iVFM in ultra-realistic patient-specific 3-D CFD intracardiac flow models. We will then compare 4D-iVFM to cardiac magnetic resonance velocimetry in volunteers and patients. This fundamental bench-to-bedside project will allow us to conduct subsequent multi-center clinical studies.