title: Imaging technologies and techniques.
abstract: Equipment manufacturers provide contrast-specific detection techniques that have excellent sensitivity and excellent agent-to-tissue specificity along with helpful tools that improve workflow efficiency dramatically. Excellent contrast agents have been approved for LV opacification and are available worldwide. Techniques designed for low-MI imaging offer real-time acquisition capabilities and lead to faster examinations. Techniques designed for medium-MI imaging offer better sensitivity than low-MI techniques while maintaining the benefit of rapid image acquisition. Techniques designed for high-MI imaging offer the best sensitivity with longer acquisition times. These techniques are viable means for imaging contrast agents tailored to clinical needs. Progress by contrast agent manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and physicians will continue to drive improvements in the areas of detection and clinical workflow for improved patient care.
authors.affiliation: Philips Medical Systems, 300 Minuteman Road, Andover, MA 01810, USA.
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rafter
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: Mani A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Vannan
mesh_terms: D003326:Coronary Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D045423:Microbubbles / Q000592:standards; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity