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document
Left ventricular vortices as observed by vector flow mapping : main determinants and their relation to left ventricular filling . BACKGROUND Swirling flow , organized in vortices , contributes to adequate left ventricular function . In this study , we apply a novel echocardiographic flow-mapping technique , vector flow mapping ( VFM ) , to evaluate the main characteristics of left ventricular vortices and its relation to filling parameters . METHODS Forty-eight subjects underwent conventional transthoracic echocardiographic examination with additional intracardiac flow assessment with VFM using a Aloka Alpha-10 system and experimental VFM analysis software . To analyze vortex behavior , its rotation direction , duration , location inside the left ventricle , size , and intensity were assessed in apical long-axis view . Its relation to conventional left ventricular filling parameters was then analyzed . RESULTS Two vortex components were consistently identified following each transmitral filling wave . The anterior component of these visualized vortices was analyzed , due to its higher significance in the cardiac cycle , following early filling ( V1 ) and atrial contraction ( V2 ) . Differences were observed in several aspects of vortex behavior between V1 and V2 , particularly in patients with normal left ventricular filling parameters . These differences may be related to varying roles of vortices in different periods of the cardiac cycle . CONCLUSIONS Vector flow mapping allowed visualization and measurement of several parameters defining vortex behavior inside the cardiac cycle . The differences observed in these parameters between vortices in different phases of the cardiac cycle may be related to their role in optimizing cardiac function .
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Intervention_Physical
vector flow mapping
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Intervention_Physical
novel echocardiographic flow-mapping technique , vector flow mapping ( VFM )
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Intervention_Physical
conventional transthoracic echocardiographic examination
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Intervention_Physical
intracardiac flow assessment with VFM using a Aloka Alpha-10 system and experimental VFM analysis software
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Intervention_Physical
Vector flow mapping
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Participant_Sample-size
Forty-eight subjects
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Participant_Condition
conventional transthoracic echocardiographic examination