Semi-3D strain imaging in normal and LVAD supported ex vivo beating hearts

Cardiac strain imaging (CSI) is a powerful technique which is able to quantify and localize cardiac defects. However, validation and reproducibility remain major issues. In this study, semi-3D CSI was performed on ex vivo beating porcine hearts to quantify the reproducibility of CSI and examine the feasibility of clinical application of CSI for the assessment of cardiac function in patients with a left ventricular assist device. Results reveal highly reproducible strain results between heartbeats. However, differences were found between hearts, due to biological variation and condition of the hearts. Supported hearts showed a decrease in strain and strain rate, and strain pattern with higher pump speeds. Future work should include translation of the measured parameters into quantitive assessment of cardiac function and validation in a long-term patient study.