Non-invasive estimation of the mechanical properties of the heart
Inventors
Torres, William M. • Spinale, Francis G. • Shazly, Tarek M.
Assignees
University of South Carolina • US Department of Veterans Affairs
Publication Number
US-11969293-B2
Publication Date
2024-04-30
Expiration Date
2039-07-29
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Abstract
Methods and systems for utilizing myocardial strain imaging in an inverse framework to identify mechanical properties of the heart and to determine structural and functional milestones for the development and progression to heart failure.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods and systems for utilizing myocardial strain imaging, specifically two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), within an inverse finite-element framework to identify mechanical properties of the heart. An optimization algorithm is used to match in-silico regional strains, wall thicknesses, and left ventricular area derived from a finite-element model with experimental measurements from echocardiographic images. This approach produces spatial maps of the left ventricular mechanical properties and enables the calculation and visual display of both radial and longitudinal end-diastolic wall stress.
The problem addressed by the invention lies in the limitations of current global measures of left ventricular function, such as ejection fraction or volumes, which can be insensitive to early changes in ventricular performance and fail to detect heart failure development and progression. Strain measurements from STE are also subject to dependency on hemodynamics and geometric assumptions, limiting their value for serial assessments and inter-subject comparisons. The need exists for sensitive, non-invasive techniques that can reliably track the rate and extent of left ventricular remodeling for individual risk evaluation and treatment monitoring.
By extending STE with an inverse finite element methodology, the invention allows for non-invasive identification of regional mechanical properties of the myocardium without dependence on hemodynamic loading or geometry. This novel post-processing technique complements traditional echocardiographic studies by providing detailed biomechanical analyses that can help clinicians and researchers more effectively assess the progression of heart disease and evaluate treatment responses on a patient-specific basis.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim defines one inventive feature related to the non-invasive analysis of passive left ventricular myocardial stiffness using a framework that integrates regional measurements, computational modeling, and visualization.
Non-invasive analysis of passive left ventricular myocardial stiffness using inverse finite-element analysis
This inventive feature comprises: - Measuring regional left ventricular geometry. - Measuring myocardial strain. - Estimating ventricular pressure within an inverse finite-element analysis. - Computing regional left ventricular myocardial mechanical properties. - Generating a spatiotemporal map to visualize a heterogeneous two-dimensional distribution of at least one mechanical property across the left ventricle and to display both radial and longitudinal end-diastolic wall stress. - Utilizing an objective function in the analysis framework to match model-derived and experimentally measured parameters.
The claims broadly cover a comprehensive method for quantitative analysis of regional myocardial mechanical properties of the left ventricle using non-invasive measurements, computational modeling, and visualization for clinical assessment.
Stated Advantages
Allows for non-invasive identification of the mechanical properties of the left ventricular myocardium, removing dependency on hemodynamics and geometry.
Enables a comprehensive biomechanical analysis in a clinical setting to assess the rate and extent of myocardial remodeling in response to heart disease.
Can be used as a sensitive biomechanical marker to complement standard echocardiographic analysis without prolonging examination time.
Provides clinicians with detailed information about regional myocardial mechanical properties, aiding in the assessment of heart disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
Enables serial and patient-specific evaluation of left ventricular remodeling, potentially improving diagnosis and prognosis in heart failure.
The methodology can be directly translated into clinical practice as a software post-processing tool using routinely acquired echocardiographic images.
Documented Applications
Non-invasive quantification of left ventricular myocardial mechanical properties for the assessment of heart disease progression and myocardial remodeling in a clinical setting.
Post-processing analysis of transthoracic echocardiographic studies to generate regional stiffness and stress maps of the left ventricle.
Potential extension to analysis of other soft tissues within the body, such as thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysms, provided suitable imaging and load estimation are available.
Application to animal models of heart failure to evaluate and track dynamic changes in myocardial stiffness and stress during disease progression.
Use as a complementary diagnostic and monitoring tool in clinical heart failure phenotyping, including HFrEF and HFpEF.
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