Cardiac Imaging

About

About The University of Glasgow has developed novel Cardiac Imaging software to be used in existing Cardiac MRI equipment, automating the current process to reduce potential errors. Using cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, a combination of late contrast enhanced MR (ceMR) and cinematographic (CINE) images, a myocardial viability score can be derived. At present this score is produced by visual evaluation of wall motion abnormalities in combination with presence of late hyper enhancement (LE) on ceMR. This technique has developed and an image processing technique derived from stereo vision capable of reducing the observer dependence and improving the accuracy in the diagnosis of viable myocardium. The software system developed at Glasgow forms a reference cine image. This image may be a selected in a number of ways to be as similar to the late enhanced image as possible. The reference image is then matched with each image in the cine sequence using recognised image processing techniques. This application automates the process such that potential errors due to patient or respiratory motion can be reduced.   Key Benefits Speed of assessment - The technology offers a fast method of detecting reversible myocardial infarct or myocardial viability.  Improved accuracy of diagnosis - the system improves the accuracy of diagnosis of reversible myocardial infarcts by reducing the dependence on the clinician. Enables Study of Other Effects - infarct muscle motion during systole can be monitored, allowing neighbourhood effects to be studied for example. Post Processing technique is capable of use with pre-existing ceMRI images.   Applications The software system can be used with existing Cardiac MRI equipment and images.   IP Status This technology is available as an Easy Access IP deal, available to companies and individuals to licence for FREE.