C03160: Method for Measuring Myocardial MotionNovelty:
This method measures movement of different portions of the heart through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and variable separation tagging.
Value Proposition:
Myocardial tagging has been shown to be a robust method of measuring myocardial motion, but the resolution of these measurements is limited by the density of tag points in the myocardium. There is also a limit to the number of tag planes which may fit on the myocardium. This makes their optimal placement crucial in accurately measuring myocardial motion. The method of variable spacing between parallel tagging planes increases the spatial resolution of estimates of myocardial radial thickening and circumferential shortening. Advantages include:
• Increased SNR ratio over evenly-spaced tagging planes
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• Flexibility of variable separation tagging gives consistent results over patient variability
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• Can be used on targets other than the myocardium
.
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a method to optimize the placement of tagging planes and increase the resolution of myocardial motion measurement. Based on observed or estimated myocardial motion, the optimum spacing between tagging planes is calculated and the tagging pattern is created from a sequence of short RF pulses, decreasing power requirements. The tagging planes then will give high resolution information on myocardial motion, as well as simultaneous radial thickening and circumferential shortening.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology as a method of measuring myocardial motion.
Stage of Development:
Prototype
Data Availability:
Under CDA/NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Improved Sampling of Myocardial Motion with Variable Separation Tagging: VTAG.
