Image-guided modelling combining 3D ultrasound with computational fluid dynamics enables the provision of all seven components of velocity for comprehensive haemodynamic evaluation.
Advanced ultrasound techniques, particularly image-guided modelling combining 3D ultrasound with computational fluid dynamics, enable comprehensive assessment of arterial haemodynamics including wall shear stress.
Visualization of, and measurements related to, haemodynamic phenomena in arteries may be made using ultrasound systems. Most ultrasound technology relies on simple measurements of blood velocity taken from a single site, such as the peak systolic velocity for assessment of the degree of lumen reduction caused by an arterial stenosis. Real-time two-dimensional (2D) flow field visualization is possible using several methods, such as colour flow, blood flow imaging, and echo particle image velocimetry; these have applications in the examination of the flow field in diseased arteries and in heart chambers. Three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional ultrasound systems have been described. These have been used to provide 2D velocity profile data for the estimation of volumetric flow. However, they are limited for haemodynamic evaluation in that they provide only one component of the velocity. The provision of all seven components (three space, three velocity, and one time) is possible using image-guided modelling, in which 3D ultrasound is combined with computational fluid dynamics. This method also allows estimation of turbulence data and of relevant quantities such as the wall shear stress.
Peter R. Hoskins (Thu,) conducted a review in Arterial stenosis and haemodynamic phenomena. Ultrasound imaging was evaluated. Image-guided modelling combining 3D ultrasound with computational fluid dynamics enables the provision of all seven components of velocity for comprehensive haemodynamic evaluation.