Simplified right ventricular volume algorithm using one digitized view and transducer tilt angle

We recently described a technique for determining in-vitro right ventricular volume from multiple two-dimensional echocardiographic views taken at sequential angles. The product of sectional area and center of mass for each view (U) is integrated over the angle of tilt of the transducer to give volume. We now note that the plot of U vs. angle is almost triangular when the echoes are taken from the short axis position. The maximal U value (the vertex of the triangle) and the total angle span (the base) are then used in the equation (maximal U x total angle span)/2 to calculate volume. This new approximation provides an excellent correlation with actual volumes. We conclude that the triangular approximation provides accurate in-vitro estimates of right ventricular volume in normal human hearts.