title: Velocity field measurements of valvular blood flow in a human superficial vein using high-frequency ultrasound speckle image velocimetry.
abstract: This study aims to investigate the blood flow around the perivalvular area in a human superficial vein using high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) speckle image velocimetry. HFUS B-mode images were captured from the superficial veins of human lower extremity with a 35-MHz transducer. To measure the instantaneous velocity fields of blood flow, a cross-correlation particle image velocimetry (PIV) algorithm was applied to two B-mode images that were captured consecutively. The echo speckles of red blood cells (RBCs) were used as flow tracers. In the vicinity of the venous valve, the opening and closing motions of valve cusps were simultaneously visualized with the phasic variation of velocity fields. Large-scale vortices were observed behind the sinus pockets while the main bloodstream was directed proximally. This measurement technique combining PIV algorithm and HFUS B-mode imaging was found to be unique and useful for investigating the hemodynamic characteristics of blood flow in the perivalvular area and for diagnosing venous insufficiency and valve abnormality in superficial blood vessels.
authors.affiliation: Center for Biofluid and Biomimic Research, Pohang University of Science and Technology, San 31, Hyoja-dong, Namgu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 790-784, South Korea.
authors.forename: Kweon-Ho
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Nam
authors.forename: Eunseop
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Yeom
authors.forename: Hojin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ha
authors.forename: Sang-Joon
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012016:Reference Values; D012212:Rheology / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014680:Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055422:Venous Valves / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*