Computer-aided determination of haemodynamic properties of human heart from cine left ventriculography

The silhouettes of the left ventricle seen on a cine ventriculogram were used as the graphic input to a pattern analysis programme. The programme measured the coordinates of points around silhouette. It selected the longest chord within the perimeter and determined its length, the area within the perimeter, and the volume of the resulting ellipsoid of revolution. The output from the programme was a global clinical report which included scaled reproductions of the silhouettes, maximum and minimum ventricular volumes, the stroke volume, and the ejection fraction. Local analysis consists in comparison of the contraction profile for the specific patient with the mean pattern obtained from a control group of 24 patients with no myocardial pathology. The graphical and numerical results help in following the progress of disease, in choosing candidates for coronary artery bypass, and in evaluating the results of medical or surgical treatment.