[A semi-automatic system for the analysis of ecocardiographic tracings (author's transl)]

A semi-automatic system is described for analysis of echocardiographic traces of the left ventricle. Filtering interpolating and averaging processes are discussed and the overall accuracy evaluated. The program is able to calculate ventricular indexes (strake volume, ejection fraction, circumferential velocity of fiber shortening), continuous functions (istantaneous ventricular diameter and volume, wall thickness, velocity of cavity compression and dilation) and, correlating the echo data with pressure values, circumferential stresss and ventricular compliance. Pressure is obtained along the ejection phase only from the carotidal pulse calibrated by means of the brachial pressure values. Advantages and limits of the method are discussed.