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Digital stress-echocardiography using a public domain program for the Macintosh personal computer
Computers and Biomedical Research, an International Journal
|December 1, 1995
Summary
A new, inexpensive digital stress-echocardiography system using personal computers and public domain software improves the detection of stress-induced myocardial ischemia. This technique enhances diagnostic power for coronary artery disease evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Ultrasound Technology
Background:
- Detecting left ventricular wall motion abnormalities from stress-induced myocardial ischemia is challenging with traditional echocardiography.
- Sequential videotape review of echocardiographic images hinders accurate comparison.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an accessible and cost-effective digital stress-echocardiography system.
- To improve the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound for evaluating coronary artery disease.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Macintosh II personal computer with an 8-bit graphics card for offline digitization of 2-D echocardiographic images from videotape.
- Employed public domain NIH Image software for image display and analysis, preserving image quality.
- Developed a macro procedure for synchronized quad-screen display of cardiac cycles for side-by-side comparison.
Main Results:
- The developed system allows for simultaneous-like review of rest and post-stress echocardiographic images.
- Image quality and resolution were maintained, especially when using Super-VHS videotapes.
- The macro procedure for image montage is efficient, comparable to commercial systems.
Conclusions:
- A personal computer-based, low-cost digital stress-echo system can make this technique more clinically feasible.
- This approach enhances the diagnostic power of ultrasound in assessing patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.