Doppler flow measurement using surface integration of velocity vectors (SIVV): in vitro validation

Blood flow measurement using an improved surface integration of velocity vectors (SIVV) technique was tested in in vitro phantoms. SIVV was compared with true flow (12-116 mL/s) in a steady-state model using two angles of insonation (45 degrees and 60 degrees ) and two vessel sizes (internal diameter = 11 and 19 mm). Repeatability of the method was tested at various flow rates for each angle of insonation and vessel. In a univentricular pulsatile model, SIVV flow measured at the mitral inlet was compared to true flow (29-61 mL/s). Correlation was excellent for the 19-mm vessel (r(2)= 0.99). There was a systematic bias but close limits of agreement (mean +/- 2 SD = -24.1% +/- 7.6% at 45 degrees; +16.4% +/- 11.0% at 60 degrees ). Using the 11-mm vessel, a quadratic relationship was demonstrated between between SIVV and true flow (r(2) = 0.98-0.99), regardless of the angle of insonation. In the pulsatile system, good agreement and correlation were shown (r(2) = 0.94, mean +/- 2 SD = -4.7 +/- 10.1%). The coefficients of variation for repeated SIVV measurements ranged from 0.9% to 10.3%. This method demonstrates precision and repeatability, and is potentially useful for clinical measurements.