Assessment of the pulse flow propagation based upon digital coronary angiograms

摘要

Abstract: Our purpose is to assess the pulse flow propagation from series of digital coronary angiograms. The local dilation- contraction pattern along the vessel is a measure for the elasticity and endothelian function. A small distensibility could be an indication for the presence of atherosclerosis also in cases where the angiogram is not abnormal. We have developed an analytical model of the pulse flow propagation in coronary arteries. In the model the artery is a straight elastic tube and is not moving due to the motion of the heart. The pulsatile flow of contrast agent is modeled for clinically relevant parameters and predictions of coronary angiograms are obtained for various characteristics of elasticity such as modulus, compliance and ratio. In the clinical angiograms, we compute the local vessel diameter from frame to frame. Because of the heart motion it is not so easy to track the vessel diameter on the same spot. Motion estimation and compensation are required. Algorithms for these processing steps are implemented. We have obtained satisfactory model simulations and predictions of angiograms. The simulated-dilation- contraction patterns help to understand the more complicated clinical angiograms. We have obtained various pulse flow patterns from coronary angiograms of a small patient population. !11