Biplane stress echocardiography using a prototype matrix-array transducer.
BACKGROUND
Rapid image acquisition after cessation of exercise is essential for accurate stress echocardiography. Recently, a prototype matrix-array transducer has been developed that allows simultaneous acquisition of 2 imaging planes (biplane [BP] imaging).


METHODS
In all, 19 healthy volunteers underwent 2 separate stress echocardiographic studies. Images were acquired in traditional 2-dimensional or BP format pre-exercise and postexercise.


RESULTS
Total image acquisition time for 2-dimensional stress echocardiography was 38 +/- 8 seconds versus 29 +/- 8 seconds for BP imaging (P <.05). Heart rates were acquired closer to age-predicted maximum with BP imaging in the apical 3- and 2-chamber and parasternal long- and short-axis views (82%, 75%, 70%, 70% for BP vs 76%, 72%, 68%, 66% for 2-dimensional, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
BP imaging using a recently developed matrix-array probe allows more rapid imaging postexercise, resulting in acquisition of poststress images at higher heart rates without compromising image quality.
Sugeng
Lissa
L
Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, USA. kspencer@uchicago.edu
Kirkpatrick
Jim
J
Lang
Roberto M
RM
Bednarz
James E
JE
Decara
Jeanne M
JM
Lammertin
Georgeanne
G
Spencer
Kirk T
KT
D000162:Acoustics; D000367:Age Factors; D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D025401:Echocardiography, Stress / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D013997:Time Factors; D014159:Transducers