Non-invasive visualization and quantitation of cardiovascular structure and function

A technique for accurate measurement of dimensions, appreciation of three-dimensional morphology, and spatial distribution of perfusion can be made without resorting to the assumptions (e.g., ellipsoidal shape of left ventricular chamber) or invasive techniques (e.g., implanted flow meters, ultrasound crystals or injection of microspheres) currently necessary. These approaches can be applied also to emission tomography and ultrasound tomography and to other energy forms. Before full advantage is taken of the approach, however, many theoretical and practical questions as to the scanner components, geometry, and mathematical considerations need to be answered.