Rapid assessment of ventricular function in acute volume overload using opaque myocardial markers

Radiopaque markers, implanted in the myocardium, have been used to analyze ventricular function. However, the inordinate time involved in measuring marker motion limited widespread use. This work describes the application of a marker recognition system, which provides automatic recording and storage of marker locations. Use of the system was demonstrated by repeated measurements of ventricular performance in a canine model of acute volume overload.