Estimation of Blood Flow Velocity in Coronary Arteries Based on the Movement of Radiopaque Agent

Abstract

The paper discusses methodological techniques for increasing the diagnostic value of routine angiographic examinations of patients. It presents algorithms for digital processing of heart video images, which make it possible to quantitatively characterize hemodynamics in the coronary bed by determining the velocity of spread of a contrast agent through the arteries. The proposed approach includes several stages and procedures and takes account of the errors caused by the movement of the arteries due to the mechanical activity of the heart. The paper presents the results of estimating coronary blood-flow velocity in a patient with coronary heart disease, which are compared with computer simulation data. The sources of errors, ways to minimize them, and prospects for using the proposed methodology for effective angiographic diagnosis are discussed.