Clinical study on morphology and dynamics of mitral valve device in patients with different types of functional mitral regurgitation by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To quantitatively evaluate and compare the morphology and dynamics parameters of mitral valve devices in patients with atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) and ventricular functional mitral regurgitation (VFMR) by real-time three-dimensional ultrasound, in order to provide theoretical basis for diagnosis and clinical treatments of the two types of regurgitation patients.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 20 AFMR patients (AFMR group) and 20 VFMR patients (VFMR group) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography at Wuhan University People′s Hospital from May to November 2022. Additionally, 20 patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography at our hospital during the same period due to patent foramen ovale or non cardiac surgery monitoring were selected as the control group. All subjects were measured mitral annulus anteroposterior diameter (AP diameter), anterolateral posteromedial diameter (ALPM diameter), anteroposterior diameter/anterolateral posteromedial diameter (AP/ALPM), commissural width (CW), annular area (AA), annular circumference (AC), annular height (AH), coaptation depth (CD), tenting volume (TV), non-planar angle (NPA) and posterior leaflet angle at isovolumic relaxation time, early diastole, mid diastole, late diastole, isovolumic contraction time, early systole, mid systole, and late systole. The total change rate and systolic change rate of the above parameters were calculated, the differences in structure and dynamic changes of the mitral valve device among three groups were compared, and the correlations between the change rate of mitral annular parameters and left ventricular long axis strain (GLS) were analyzed.Results:①The GLS of three groups were as follows: control group>AFMR group>VFMR group, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). ②Static structure: The AP diameter, ALPM diameter, AA, AC, and total leaflet area (TLA) of the AFMR group and VFMR group were significantly larger than those of the control group (all P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the AFMR group and VFMR group (all P>0.05). Compared with the other two groups, the TV, CD, and posterior leaflet angle of the VFMR group were significantly increased, exhibiting the mitral valve tethering; the control group had the largest AH/CW and the deepest saddle shape; the AFMR group had the smallest TLA/AA and the least mitral valve remodeling; there was no statistically significant difference in the junction area among the three groups (all P>0.05). ③Dynamic changes: AP diameter, ALPM diameter, AA and AC in the control group showed regular changes throughout the cardiac cycle, gradually decreased from isovolumic relaxation time to late diastole, and gradually increased from isovolumic contraction time to late systole; The changes in the above parameters in the AFMR and VFMR groups appeared more disordered. In addition, compared with the control group, the total change rate and systolic change rate of AP diameter in the AFMR group were significantly reduced, but the total change rate of ALPM diameter was significantly increased (all P<0.05). ④The total change rate of AA, ALPM diameter and AP diameter were moderately correlated with GLS ( r=0.353, P=0.006; r=-0.304, P=0.018; r=0.300, P=0.020), while the systolic change rate of posterior leaflet angle was weakly correlated with GLS ( r=0.267, P=0.039). Conclusions:There are differences in the morphology and dynamics parameters of mitral valve device in patients with AFMR and VFMR.Different clinical strategies can be used for the two kinds of functional mitral regurgitation.

Short-term prognostic predictive value of deep-learning assisted quantitative myocardial contrast echocardiography in ST-elevated myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the prognostic predictive value of deep neural network (DNN) assisted myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) quantitative analysis of ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients after successful percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed in 97 STEMI patients with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction-3 flow in infarct vessel after primary PCI in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from June to November 2021. MCE was performed within 48 h after PCI. Patients were followed up to 120 days. The adverse events were defined as cardiac death, hospitalization for congestive heart failure, reinfarction, stroke and recurrent angina. The framework consisted of the U-net and hierarchical convolutional LSTMs. The plateau myocardial contrast intensity (A), micro-bubble rate constant (β), and microvascular blood flow (MBF) for all myocardial segments were obtained by the framework, and then underwent variability analysis. Patients were divided into low MBF group and high MBF group based on MBF values, the baseline characteristics and adverse events were compared between the two groups. Other variables included biomarkers, ventricular wall motion analysis, MCE qualitative analysis, and left ventricular ejection fraction. The relationship between various variables and prognosis was investigated using Cox regression analysis. The ROC curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the models, and the diagnostic efficacy of the models was compared using the integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI).Results:The time-cost for processing all 3 810 frames from 97 patients was 377 s. 92.89% and 7.11% of the frames were evaluated by an experienced echocardiographer as "good segmentation" and "correction needed". The correlation coefficients of A, β, and MBF ranged from 0.97 to 0.99 for intra-observer and inter-observer variability. During follow-up, 20 patients met the adverse events. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that for each increase of 1 IU/s in MBF of the infarct-related artery territory, the risk of adverse events decreased by 6% ( HR 0.94, 95% CI =0.91-0.98). There was a 4.5-fold increased risk of adverse events in the low MBF group ( HR 5.50, 95% CI=1.55-19.49). After incorporating DNN-assisted MCE quantitative analysis into qualitative analysis, the IDI for prognostic prediction was 15% (AUC 0.86, sensitivity 0.78, specificity 0.73). Conclusions:MBF of the area supplied by infarct-related artery after STEMI-PCI is an independent protective factor for short-term prognosis. The DNN-assisted MCE quantitative analysis is an objective, efficient, and reproducible method to evaluate microvascular perfusion. Assessment of culprit-MBF after PCI in STEMI patients adds independent short-term prognostic information over qualitative analysis.It has the potential to be a valuable tool for risk stratification and clinical follow-up.

Postsystolic shortening and early systolic lengthening to diagnose myocardial microvascular dysfunction in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after emergency percutaneous coronary intervention / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of postsystolic shortening (PSS) and early systolic lengthening (ESL) on myocardial microvascular dysfunction in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods:A total of 83 patients with STEMI who received emergency PCI in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from June to October 2021 were retrospectively collected. All patiets underwent two-dimensional echocardiography and myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) within 7 days after PCI. The patients were divided into global normal perfusion group and poor perfusion group according to global myocardial perfusion score index (MPSI). Left ventricular myocardium was divided into left anterior descending branch (LAD), left circumflex branch (LCx) and right coronary artery (RCA) regions, which were divided into regional normal perfusion group and poor perfusion group based on whether there were segments with microvascular dysfunction. Left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured by modified biplane Simpson method. Tomtec software was used to obtain conventional echocardiographic parameters, global longitudinal strain (GLS), as well as PSS and ESL parameters including postsystolic index (PSI), duration of postsystolic shortening (PSSduration), early systolic index (ESI) and duration of early systolic lengthening (ESLduration). Differences of parameters of global normal and poor perfusion groups, as well as regional normal and poor perfusion groups were compared. ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of PSS and ESL parameters and GLS in myocardial regions with microvascular dysfunction.Results:Significant differences were observed in LVEF, LVESV, GLS, PSI, ESI and PSSduration between global poor perfusion group and global normal perfusion group (all P<0.05). Compared with regional normal perfusion group, PSI, ESI and ESLduration of LAD and LCx regions, as well as PSI of RCA region in regional poor perfusion group were increased (all P<0.05). For GLS in different myocardial regions, LAD-GLS was the only parameter that decreased in regional poor perfusion group compared to regional normal perfusion group ( P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed LAD-PSI, LAD-GLS, LCx-PSI, LCx-ESLduration and RCA-PSI were valuable parameters for diagnosis of myocardial microvascular dysfunction in different regions, among which LAD-PSI had the highest area under curve (AUC=0.809). Conclusions:PSS and ESL parameters are helpful for early diagnosis of myocardial microvascular dysfunction in STEMI patients after PCI, and can provide regional myocardial perfusion information according to the blood supply of different coronary arteries.

Safety and short-term outcomes evaluation of transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the treatment of pure native aortic valve regurgitation / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the safety and short-term outcomes of transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with domestic prostheses in patients with pure native aortic valve regurgitation (AR).Methods:A total of 16 patients with pure native AR who underwent transfemoral TAVR in the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from June 2019 to January 2022 were consecutively included in our study, and 24 patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who underwent transfemoral TAVR in the same period were selected as the control group. This study compared the baseline characteristics, baseline echocardiography, morphological characteristics of the aortic root, safety of the procedure and short-term outcomes between the two groups.Results:Compared with the AS group, the pure native AR group had a higher prevalence of baseline NYHA class Ⅲ or Ⅳ, a larger left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), a smaller relative ventricular wall thickness (RWT) (all P<0.05), a lower aortic root calcification score, and a larger sinus junction diameter, and cardiac angle (all P<0.05). During TAVR operation, the pure native AR group was treated with larger prostheses size, with a larger percentage in relation to the native annulus size and outflow tract (all P<0.05). There were 7 cases (43.8%) treated with 'valve in valve’, 2 cases (12.5%) with moderate paravalvular leak(PVL), and 2 cases (12.5%) with prostheses-migration to ascending aorta.However, no cases of death, transfer to surgery, coronary obstruction or annular rupture were observed in the pure native AR group. There were no statistical differences between the pure native AR group and AS group in device success rate (56.3% vs 62.5%, P>0.05) and 1-month all-cause mortality[0 (0/16) vs 4.2% (1/24), P>0.05]. The 6MWT, NT-proBNP, and NYHA were significantly improved at 1-month post TAVR compared with those before the procedure in the two groups (all P<0.05). Echocardiography showed significant reverse cardiac remodeling and improved left ventricular function compared with those before the procedure in the two groups. Conclusions:Transfemoral TAVR is a feasible and safe method for patients with pure native AR, and its short-term prognosis is similar to that in AS patients with well-established TAVR.

Evaluation of fluid field of left ventricle outflow tract in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with fluid models based on three-dimensional echocardiography with inverted grey values / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of systolic anterior motion (SAM) of mitral valves on the morphology and function of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) using computer fluid dynamics based on three-dimensional echocardiography with inverted grey values.Methods:A total of 40 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were divided into SAM group (24 cases) and non SAM group (16 cases) in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from April 2016 to October 2019. Two dimensional and three-dimensional echocardiographic data of the patients were collected. The LVOT morphological model was constructed based on the post-processing of three-dimensional echocardiography data, and the LVOT flow field model was constructed based on the time-volume curve of left ventricle. LVOT peak velocity was obtained to assess the agreement with echocardiography measurements. Area of LVOT, average velocity, flow rate and iso-surface area of vortex of different levels were obtained and compared between the two groups.Results:There was a good correlation between cardiac fluid model and echocardiographic measurement ( r=0.943, P<0.01). The Bland-Altman consistency interval was -75.0-111.3, and 92.5% of the points were within the consistency limit. Compared with non-SAM group patients, the peak velocity of LVOT increased, the area of LVOT decreased, the flow rate decreased and the area of vortex increased in SAM patients (all P<0.01). In the SAM group, in 16 patients the double orifice LVOT was observed due to the contact between mitral valve and septum, in 1 patient the single orifice LVOT structure was observed with contact between mitral value and septum, and in 7 patients, single orifice LVOT without contact between mitral value and septum. In SAM patients, compared with single orifice LVOT, patients with double orifice LVOT were observed with higher LVOT velocity, smaller LVOT area and higher vortex area with high level(all P<0.05). Conclusions:Accurate fluid models can be obtained using three-dimensional echocardiography with inverted grey values. In SAM patients, contact between mitral valve and septum leads to the formation of double orifice structure and the increase of vortex level in LVOT.

Study on three dimensional printing of fetal aortic arch and its branches anomalies / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility and application value of three dimensional (3D) printing technology in creating models of abnormal fetal aortic arch and its branches.Methods:Eleven cases of abnormal fetuses confirmed fetal aortic arch and its branches anomalies from March 2019 to July 2020 in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were prospectively enrolled. All the fetuses underwent two dimensional(2D) echocardiography and spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) technology examination. The 3D volume images of fetal heart were post-processed by Mimics software to create images of the great vessels and their branches in standard tessellation language format (STL) file. The STL file was output to the 3D printer and the 3D printing models of fetal great vessels and their branches were obtained. Compared with conventional ultrasound, the characteristics and application value of 3D printed models of abnormal fetal aortic arch and its branches were analyzed.Results:Eleven fetuses were successfully modeled and printed out large blood vessels and their branch models. The 3D printing model had its own advantages in displaying large blood vessels and their branch abnormalities. It could provide high quality imaging anatomical details and visualize great vessels origin, branch and position and can better display vascular ring spatial relations.Conclusions:It is feasible to use 3D printing technology to make the fetal aortic arch and its branch abnormal model. The 3D printing model can directly display its characteristic changes and provide a certain reference basis for accurately determining the type of vascular ring in the prenatal stage.

Effect evaluation of bedside ultrasound monitoring of left ventricular functional parameters combined with clinical indicators on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To explore the monitoring value of left ventricular functional parameters obtained by bedside ultrasound combined with clinically relevant indicators in patients with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted. A total of 24 patients receiving VA-ECMO adjuvant support in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from June 2018 to January 2020 were selected. The bedside ultrasound was performed on the first day of ECMO support, the day before weaning, the clinical indicators before weaning were obtained. The differences in clinical indicators and the left ventricular functional parameters between the two groups of whether weaning successfully were compared; univariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen out the related factors affecting weaning.Results:Sixteen patients were successful weaned and 8 patients failed. Compared with the weaning failure group, patients in the weaning success group required less continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT, cases: 4 vs. 6, P < 0.05), mean arterial pressure (MAP) before weaning was higher [mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 84.64±9.55 vs. 62.30±8.79, P < 0.05], and the pulse oxygen saturation (SpO 2) was also higher (0.966±0.670 vs. 0.866±0.061, P < 0.05), while vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS), serum creatinine (SCr) and serum lactic acid (Lac) were lower [VIS score: 7.27±1.42 vs. 16.93±8.52, SCr (μmol/L): 123.60±83.64 vs. 213.10±117.39, Lac (mmol/L): 1.94±0.91 vs. 5.62±5.48, all P < 0.05]. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the MAP, VIS, SCr, Lac, SpO 2 before weaning were the related factors affecting weaning [odds ratio ( OR) were 0.306, -0.740, -0.011, -0.632, -4.069; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were 1.065-1.732, 0.235-0.899, 0.979-0.999, 0.285-0.992 and 0.001-0.208; P values were 0.014, 0.022, 0.038, 0.047, 0.002]. In the weaning success group, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), velocity of mitralannulus in systolic (LatSa), maximum flow velocity of aortic valve (AV-Vmax), velocity-time integral (VTI), left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), left ventricular global longitudinal strain rate (LVGLSr) were all increased on the day before ECMO weaning compared with the first day of ECMO support [LVEF: 0.40±0.05 vs. 0.28±0.07, LatSa (cm/s): 6.81±0.91 vs. 4.62±1.02, AV-Vmax (cm/s): 104.81±33.98 vs. 64.44±16.85, VTI (cm): 14.56±3.11 vs. 7.96±1.98, LVGLS: (-8.95±2.59)% vs. (-5.26±1.28)%, LVGLSr (1/s): -0.48±0.11 vs. -0.29±0.09], whereas the ECMO flow was significantly reduced (L/min: 1.46±0.47 vs. 2.64±0.31), the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in left ventricular functional parameters between the first day of ECMO support and the day before ECMO weaning in the weaning failure group. Compared with the weaning failure group, the weaning success group had higher LVEF, LatSa, AV-Vmax, VTI, LVGLS, LVGLSr on the day before ECMO weaning [LVEF: 0.40±0.05 vs. 0.26±0.07, LatSa (cm/s): 6.81±0.91 vs. 4.31±1.03, AV-Vmax (cm/s): 104.81±33.98 vs. 67.67±18.46, VTI (cm): 14.56±3.11 vs. 7.75±2.77, LVGLS: (-8.95±2.59)% vs. (-4.81±1.81)%, LVGLSr (1/s): -0.48±0.11 vs. -0.30±0.10, all P < 0.05] and lower ECMO flow (L/min: 1.46±0.47 vs. 2.20±0.62, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Bedside echocardiographic left ventricular function parameters (LVEF, LatSa, AV-Vmax, VTI, LVGLS, LVGLSr) combined with clinical indicators (MAP, VIS, SCr, Lac, SpO 2) were helpful to evaluate the therapeutic effect of patients receiving VA-ECMO support and can provide important guiding value in the selection of VA-ECMO weaning timing and the judgment of prognosis.

Application of ultrasound bionic 3D printing combined with PBL method in individualized teaching of standardized residency training of cardiac ultrasound / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To meet the individualized needs of residents in standardized residency training of cardiac intervention specialty for cardiac ultrasound teaching, to construct a bionic 3D printing model of ultrasound source, and to discuss its application value in ultrasound teaching and simulation exercises.Methods:Sixty residents majored in cardiovascular medicine receiving standardized residency training of ultrasound in ultrasound imaging department of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were randomized into experimental group and control group in average. The experimental group adopted ultrasound bionic 3D printing heart model combined with problem-based learning (PBL) teaching method, and the control group adopted traditional multimedia PPT combined with PBL teaching method. At the end of teaching activities, theoretical examination, operation assessment and questionnaire survey were conducted to evaluate and compare the teaching effect between the two groups. SPSS 21.0 software was performed for t test. Results:The theoretical examination scores of the experimental group and the control group were (81.4±8.2) points and (74.8±9.4) points, respectively, P=0.002, and the operation assessment scores were (89.1±5.6) points and (71.5±8.8) points, respectively, P<0.001. The questionnaire survey showed that the experimental group had better feedbacks than the control group in the aspects of mastery of heart anatomy knowledge, learning experience, learning interest, learning efficiency, understanding of interventional heart disease, clinical skills of interventional operation and overall satisfaction (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Ultrasound bionic 3D printing combined with PBL teaching method can help strengthen the mastery of cardiac anatomy knowledge, promote the learning experience of cardiac ultrasound and improve the skills of interventional operation. The teaching effect is significant and the students' satisfaction is high.

Application value of simulate left atrial appendage occlusion in dynamic fluid in vitro based on left atrial appendage three-dimensional models / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the accuracy and application value of the left atrial appendage(LAA) occlusion simulation in dynamic fluid in vitro based on left atrial appendage models. Methods:The preoperative two/three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography(2D/3D-TEE) images of 21 patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous LAA occlusion were retrospectively analyzed. LAA models with different materials (silicone-hydrogel LAA models, silicone LAA models and Tangoplus LAA models) were obtained by 3D printing. After simulation evaluation set models in a dynamic fluid system to simulate the occlusion operation, the type of occluder was predicted, the correlation between them and the final occluder used in the operation was analyzed.According to 2D/3D-TEE monitoring in 21 patients, the compression ratio of occluders was measured and the residual leakage around occluders was observed. With the same type occluder as in surgery, the compression ratio of occluders and residual leakage around the occluders in the three LAA models were observed and compared with intraoperative measurements, the descriptive and correlation analyses were conducted.Results:The simulation score of silicone-hydrogel LAA models was higher than those of silicone LAA models and Tangoplus LAA models. The occluder size in silicone-hydrogel LAA models was more correlated to the size used in the operation( r=0.937, P<0.001) than silicone LAA models ( r=0.918, P<0.001) and Tangoplus LAA models ( r=0.895, P<0.001). With the same size of occluder, there was no significant difference between the compression ratio of the occluder in silicone-hydrogel LAA models and intraoperative ( P=0.908). In 21 patients, 7 cases of residual leakage of occluder were observed during operation, while 4 cases were observed in silicone-hydrogel LAA, 5 cases were observed in silicone LAA models and 5 cases in Tangoplus LAA models. Conclusions:Preoperative simulation system of left atrial appendage occlusion based on silica gel-hydrogel model is helpful for preoperative decision-making, simulation exercise and post-operative evaluation of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion.

Feasibility study of three-dimensional printing combined with mock circulatory system to make compliant mitral valve model for hemodynamic testing in vitro based on ultrasound image data / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility of three-dimensional(3D) printing combined with mock circulatory system of flexible mitral valve model for hemodynamic testing in vitro based on ultrasound image data, making the transformation of 3D printing valve model from static to dynamic and from anatomical to functional, as well as assisting surgical plan for mitral valve diseases. Methods:A total of 10 subjects underwent three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) and proved to be without mitral diseases were collected as mitral normal group from February 2017 to December 2018 in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 10 mitral stenosis patients were collected as mitral stenosis group, and 10 mitral regurgitation patients were collected as mitral regurgitation group. Hemodynamic parameters of velocity (peak E), pressure gradient were obtained by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in three groups, and the degree of mitral valve stenosis and regurgitation were also evaluated. Then 3D-TEE was performed to obtain the 3D volume image of mitral valve. After image post-processing and 3D modeling, the valve mold was printed with soluble material polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The mixture of human skin silicone, silicone oil, starch and curing agent were poured into the mitral valve mold in a certain proportion to make flexible silicone mitral valve model. Then, the compliant valve model was placed in mock circulatory system (MCS), regularly opening and closing as it in vivo in the heart cycle. The hemodynamic parameters of mitral valve were measured again in vitro and the degree of stenosis and regurgitation was also evaluated respectively. Paired t test was used for statistical analysis of in vivo and in vitro measurements in two groups, and the consistency test was performed. Results:The mitral valve 3D-TEE images of all patients were successfully post-processed, mitral valve molds were printed and flexible models were made. In vitro hemodynamic tests were all completed. The opening and closing state of the valve model in vitro was similar to that in vivo. Mitral valve regurgitation was detected in mitral regurgitation group in vitro, with degree to that in vivo. There were no statistically significant differences in hemodynamic parameters measured in vivo and in vitro models (all P>0.05), with a high consistency ( r=0.76). Among the 10 patients with mitral stenosis and 10 patients with mitral regurgitation, 18 patients were evaluated as same degree as in vivo. Conclusions:3D printing of compliant mitral valve model based on ultrasound image is feasible, which reproduced hemodynamic features of mitral valve in vitro, setting foundation for further surgery simulation and clinical decision-making.

Feasibility of three dimensional printing of the fetal heart using spatio-temporal image correlation data / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of three dimensional(3D) printing fetal heart from spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) volume-rendered data.Methods:Eight fetuses with normal heart and 3 fetuses with confirmed cardiac anomalies identified by two-dimensional echocardiography from February to May 2019 in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were prospectively enrolled in this study. All the fetuses underwent two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography and STIC technology examination. The 3D volume images of fetal heart were post-processed by Mimics software to create images of the fetal heart in standard tessellation language format(STL). The STL file was output to the 3D printer and the 3D printing models of fetal heart and great vessels were obtained. In the process, the numerical values of each index of fetal hearts were measured from 3D digital model, 3D printing models and routine echocardiography images, respectively. The accuracy of 3D modeling was assessed by comparing the measured values of the model with the measured values of the source data.Results:In all the fetuses, STIC volume data of the fetal heart were successfully reprocessed and printed out, the anatomical structure and vascular course could be visually displayed. It showed no significant difference in all the heart size parameters between 3D digital model, 3D printing models and routine echocardiography images (all P>0.05). Moreover, the size parameters were concordant well between the two methods, all of the data points fell within the limits of agreement. Conclusions:The 3D printing of fetal heart using STIC volume images as the data source is feasible.

Evaluation of right ventricular systolic function and effects of maintenance hemodialysis on it in uremic patients by 4D RV Volume / 中华超声影像学杂志

To evaluate the right ventricular systolic function in uremia patients and the effects of maintenance hemodialysis on right ventricular systolic function by volume and strain parameters obtained by 4D RV Volume . Methods Seventy‐six patients with uremia and twenty‐two controls were selected . According to left ventricular ejection fraction ( LVEF) ,uremia patients were divided into normal LVEF uremia group and decreased LVEF uremia group . T hen normal LVEF uremia group was divided into maintenance hemodialysis group and non‐dialysis group . Conventional ultrasound parameters included :LVEF ,pulmonary artery systolic pressure ( PASP) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion ( T APSE‐2D) . 4D RV Volume parameters included : right ventricular end‐diastolic volume ( RVEDV ) , tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion ( T APSE‐4D ) ,right ventricular area change rate ( FAC ) ,right ventricular ejection fraction ( RVEF) and right ventricular free wall longitudinal systolic strain ( RV‐GLSfree ) . Results①Compared with the control group ,T APSE‐2D decreased significantly in the decreased LVEF uremia group ( P ＜0 .05) ,w hile there was no significant difference of T APSE‐2D in normal LVEF uremia group ( P ＞ 0 .05) . Compared with the control group and normal LVEF uremia group ,PASP increased significantly in the decreased LVEF uremia group ( P ＜ 0 .05 ) . Compared with the control group ,RVEDV increased significantly both in the normal LVEF and decreased LVEF uremia group ,w hich showed an increasing trend in these three groups ( P ＜0 .05) ,while T APSE‐4D ,FAC ,RVEF and RV‐GLSfree all decreased significantly and showed a decreasing trend in these three groups ( P ＜ 0 .05 ) . ② Compared with the control group , T APSE‐2D decreased significantly in non‐dialysis group ( P ＜0 .05) ,but there was no significant difference in uremia hemodialysis group ( P ＞0 .05) . Compared with the control group ,PASP and RVEDV increased and T APSE‐4D ,FAC ,RVEF and RV‐GLSfree decreased significantly in uremia hemodialysis group and non‐dialysis group ( P ＜ 0 .05 ) . Compared with non‐dialysis group , T APSE‐2D and T APSE‐4D increased significantly in hemodialysis group ( P ＜0 .05) ,while there was no significant difference in RVEDV ,FAC , RVEF and RV‐GLSfree in uremia hemodialysis group ( P ＞0 .05) . Conclusions 4D RV Volume could early and accurately evaluate the right ventricular systolic dysfunction in uremia patients . Furthermore ,w hen evaluating right ventricular systolic function in uremia patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis , indices such as right ventricular strain and volume parameters should be comprehensively considered .

Preliminary study on the application of mitral valve prolapse model made by three‐dimensional printing in mitral valvuloplasty / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of mitral valve prolapse( M VP) model made by three‐dimensional( 3D) printing based on three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography ( 3D‐T EE) data and the application value for mitral valvuloplasty . Methods 3D‐T EE volumetric data of 28 patients with M VP were acquired and postprocessed ,13 patients underwent mitral valve replacement and 15 patients underwent mitral valvuloplasty . A flexible material was used to made the valve 3D model by molding . T he areas of M VP identified by models were compared with surgical findings ,the circumference and the length and thickness of anterior and posterior mitral leaflets obtained from the valve specimens and the models were compared in the mitral valve replacement group . T he diameter between anterior and posterior ,the diameter between anterolaterior and posteromedial ,annulus area ,height of prolapsed leaflet and area of prolapsed leaflet were measured from 3D models and 3D‐T EE images in mitral valvuloplasty group . Surgical simulations were performed on the 3D models of the mitral valvuloplasty group ,and the water injection test was used to evaluate the surgical results and compared with the surgical results . Results 3D‐T EE volumetric data were successfully postprocessed and made as 3D M VP models in all patients . T he consistency of M VP location based on 3D models and surgical findings was 0 .92 . T he differences between the mitral valve replacement group and mitral valvuloplasty group were not significant ( P＞ 0 .05 ) . A simulation valvuloplasty was successfully performed on the 3D model in mitral valvuloplasty group ,2 patients underwent mitral valve replacement after water injection test . T he remaining 3D models successfully simulated the operation . Conclusions The M VP model made by 3D‐T EE and 3D printing technique has high feasibility and accuracy ,w hich may be promising for the mitral valvuloplasty of M VP .

The feasibility of 3D printing aortic root model by three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography data :a preliminary study compared with CT / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To preliminary explore the feasibility of three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography ( 3D‐T EE) as images data source for 3D printing model by comparing the 3D‐T EE with CT of the aortic root Digital Imaging and Communications in M edicine ( DICOM ) data into 3D printing models respectively . Methods Fifteen patients w ho underwent surgical aortic valve replacement in the hospital were enrolled ,and the aortic root 3D‐T EE and CT DICOM data were obtained in perioperative . T he images were imported into M imics software to generate digital model standard tessellation language file ,and to print the aortic root models by 3D printer . T he structural morphology of both 3D‐T EE and CT models were qualitatively evaluated respectively . T he aortic annular area ,perimeter ,maximal diameter and minimal diameter of the original data , digital model , model and aortic valve replacement were quantitatively evaluated ,and the consistency of each parameter value were analyzed . T he mean diameter of 3D‐T EE and CT model were calculated . T he correlation of mean diameter with the number of replacement was analyzed . Results ①Both 3D‐TEE and CT images data were successfully printed into 3D models ,and the positive rate of aortic valve structure were 93 .3% ( 14/15) and 80 .0% ( 12/15) respectively . ②T he measured values of the aortic annular 3D‐T EE and digital model were smaller than CT ,CTdigital model and replacement ( P＜0 .05) ,and the measurement consistency among groups was high . ③ T he parameter values of 3D‐T EE model were smaller than CT model ( P ＜0 .05 ) ,and the measured values were all within the consistency range . T he mean diameters were highly correlated with the replacement values ( r ＞ 0 .95 , P ＜ 0 .05 ) . Conclusions 3D printing aortic root model based on 3D‐TEE image data is of high feasibility .

The feasibility of 3D printing aortic root model by three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography data: a preliminary study compared with CT / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective@#To preliminary explore the feasibility of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) as images data source for 3D printing model by comparing the 3D-TEE with CT of the aortic root Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine(DICOM) data into 3D printing models respectively.@*Methods@#Fifteen patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement in the hospital were enrolled, and the aortic root 3D-TEE and CT DICOM data were obtained in perioperative. The images were imported into Mimics software to generate digital model standard tessellation language file, and to print the aortic root models by 3D printer. The structural morphology of both 3D-TEE and CT models were qualitatively evaluated respectively. The aortic annular area, perimeter, maximal diameter and minimal diameter of the original data, digital model, model and aortic valve replacement were quantitatively evaluated, and the consistency of each parameter value were analyzed. The mean diameter of 3D-TEE and CT model were calculated. The correlation of mean diameter with the number of replacement was analyzed.@*Results@#①Both 3D-TEE and CT images data were successfully printed into 3D models, and the positive rate of aortic valve structure were 93.3% (14/15) and 80.0% (12/15) respectively. ②The measured values of the aortic annular 3D-TEE and digital model were smaller than CT, CTdigital model and replacement (P<0.05), and the measurement consistency among groups was high. ③The parameter values of 3D-TEE model were smaller than CT model (P<0.05), and the measured values were all within the consistency range. The mean diameters were highly correlated with the replacement values (r>0.95, P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#3D printing aortic root model based on 3D-TEE image data is of high feasibility.

A preliminary study for the feasibility and accuracy of three-dimensional printing mitral annulus models based on echocardiographic data / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) printing of mitral annulus with transesophageal echocardiographic volume images as the data source ,and to assess the accuracy of the 3D printing mitral annulus models based on three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography ( 3D-TEE) images preliminarily . Methods A retrospective study was performed in 25 patients with mild or slight mitral regurgitation and 10 patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation . All the subjects were underwent 3D-TEE . The 3D-TEE volume images of mitral annulus at the end diastole were post-processed by Mimics software to create images of the mitral annulus in standard tessellation language format . The STL file was output to the 3D printer and the 3D printing models of mitral annulus were obtained . The mitral annulus size parameters including the diameter between anterior and posterior ,the diameter between anterolaterior and posteromedial ,sphericity index and mitral annulus circumference were measured from 3D printing models and 3D-TEE images ,respectively . From which the absolute difference of the measurements between 3D printing models and the 3D-TEE images were calculated . Results All of the 3D-TEE images were successfully post-processed ,and the corresponding 3D printing models were acquired by high-precision 3D printer . It showed no significant difference in all the mitral annulus size parameters between 3D printing modelsand3D-TEEimages(allP >0.05) .Morever,thesizeparameterswereconcordantwellbetweenthe two methods ,all of the data points fell within the limits of agreement . It showed little absolute difference in value of the mitral annulus size parameters between the 3D printing mitral annulus models and the 3D-TEE images . Conclusions It is technically feasible to print 3D models of mitral annulus using 3D-TEE images as the data source . 3D printing mitral annulus models based on transesophageal echocardiographic volume images have high precision .

A preliminary methodology and precision study of producing 3D printing heart model by multimodel medical image fusion technology / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To obtain abundant anatomical information using fusion of ultrasonic valve images and CT heart images and provide new methods of image processing for 3D heart printing . Methods Cardiac examinations of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography ( 3D-TEE) and DICOM images of 41 patients who had atrial fibrillation without structural cardiac diseases were analyzed retrospectively and the data afterward were processed by using Mimics software . For the single-mode image group ,only the heart CT were invoked as the data sources . For the multimodel image group ,CT and ultrasound images were invoked as the data sources . Valve structures of the 3D reconstructions were graded and the circumferences ,areas and other parameters of the two groups were measured . The images of two groups were overlapped ,and the angles between the two valve planes of each heart were evaluated and analysed . Results Score of valves reconstructed by ultrasound 3D construction was higher than those by CT reconstruction . Measurements of correlated parameters between the 3D-TEE group and the CT group showed no significant statistical difference ( P ＞ 0 .05 ) , and the consistency was well . Ultrasound measurements of 3D reconstructed valves were well concordant with CT reconstructed valves by Bland-Altman analysis . Mean value and standard deviation of the angles between mitral valve annulus and aortic valve ring plane of each heart in the two group were ( 3 .15 ± 0 .88)°,( 2 .87 ± 0 .76)°,respectively . Conclusions Ultrasonic valve images can fuse precisely with CT images and it provides a better displayed morphology . This will help improving simulation quality of the 3D printed hearts .

Evaluation of a single hemodialysis on right ventricular function in patients by 3-dimensional speckle tracking imaging / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the change of right ventricular function before and after single hemodialysis by 3-dimensional speckle tracking imaging( 3D-STI) . Methods Seventy-six patients with end-stage renal disease ( ESRD ) and 35 controls were included .ESRD patients were divided into normal left ventricular ejection fraction group( LVEF ≥ 50％ ,46 cases ,group A ) and decreased LVEF group( LVEF <50％ ,30 cases ,group B) .Conventional echocardiography and 3D-STI parameters including right ventricular end diastolic volume( RVEDV ) ,right ventricular end systolic volume ( RVESV ) ,right ventricular ejection fraction( RVEF) ,right ventricular septal longitudinal strain [ RVLS ( Septum ) ] ,right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain [ RVLS( Freewall ) ] ,basal segment of right ventricular diameter[ RVDd( base ) ] ,right ventricular middle diameter [ RVDd ( mid ) ] ,right ventricular long diameter ( RVLD ) and the upper and lower right ventricular fractional area change ( FAC) were performed in patients and controls before and after a single hemodialysis . Results ① RVEDV ,RVESV ,RVDd( base) ,RVDd( mid) ,RVLD before a single hemodialysis in group A and B were significantly higher than those in control group ( all P < 0 .05) . RVEF , RVLS Freewall ,RVLS( Septum) and FAC in group A and B were significantly lower than those in control group ( all P < 0 .05) . ② RVEDV ,RVESV ,RVEF ,RVLD ,RVLS ( Freewall) were significantly lower in group A after a single hemodialysis ( all P < 0 .05 ) ;RVEDV ,RVESV ,RVEF ,RVLS ( Freewall) ,RVLS ( Septum) were significantly lower in group B after a single hemodialysis( all P < 0 .05) ;RVEDV ,RVESV , RVEF ,RVLS( Septum) and RVLS( Freewall) in group B before a single hemodialysis were lower than those in group A ( all P < 0 .05) . The difference of RVLS Septum decrease in group B after a single hemodialysis was higher than that in group A( P < 0 .05) ;The linear correlations analysis showed that the difference of body weight before and after a single hemodialysis was negatively related with the difference of RVLS ( Freewall) before and after a single hemodialysis( group A : r = 0 .351 , P = 0 .017 ;group B : r = 0 .696 ,P =0 .000) . Conclusions A single hemodialysis may have injurious effects on right ventricular systolic function and reduce strain value ,which is more significant in group B( LVEF < 50％ ) . Cardiac dysfunction of patients may be remitted by reasonable control of water intake .

Construction of left atrial appendage three-dimensional model based on transesophageal echocardiography and its value in preoperative simulated left atrial appendage closure / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of simulated operation before the left atrial appendage ( LAA ) occlusion by filed LAA model with soft materials ,which is based on transesophageal three-dimensional echocardiography ( 3D-TEE) . Methods Silica and hydrogel were mixed to imitate cardiac tissue . Silica and hydrogel mixed materials ,silica and Tangoplus were subjected to mechanical detection and ultrasonic shear wave elastography ( SWE) . The preoperative and postoperative 3D-TEE image processing was performed on 21 patients undergoing LAA occlusion . The silica and hydrogel LAA 3D model ,silicone model and Tangoplus model were acquired to evaluate the accuracy of 3D model . LAA closure was simulated using the 3D models and the compression ratio of the device in models was compared with the value measured in operation . Results The silica and hydrogel mixed materials were successfully prepared . The elastic modulus and stress-strain curve were closer to the myocardial tissue . Twenty-one 3D printing models of three materials were obtained in 21 patients based on 3D-TEE images .There was no significant difference in the anchor zone between the 3D model and 3D-TEE ( P > 0 .05) .The 3D model measurements were consistent with the 3D-TEE measurements .The compression ratios of the decive in the 3D models of all three materials were greater than those measured in operation ,and the compression ratio of the device in the 3D model of silica and hydrogel materials had a better correlation with that measured in operation ( r =0 .900 ,P < 0 .01) .Conclusions The 3D model of LAA made of silica and hydrogel material based on 3D-TEE can improve the accuracy of the LAA occlusion simulation ,also can optimize the preparation of LAA occlusion .

Establishment and assessment of an LAA occlusion preoperative simulation system based on 3D transesophageal echocardiography and 3D printing / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To create an left atrial appendage(LAA) occlusion preoperative simulation system by three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography(3DTEE) and three dimensional printing (3DP),and simulate the process of LAA occlusion including the selection and deployment of devices,leaks around devices and the compression rate of the devices in vitro.Methods Fifteen cases of LAA occlusion in patients with atrial fibrillation were selected in this study. Preoperative and intraoperative TEE was performed to acquire the volume data of LAA.Replicas of LAAs were created by 3DP.Then the simulation system was created by 3DTEE and the models.The models were scanned by 3DTEE to evaluate the accuracy of models,leaks around devices and the compression rate of the devices.The results were compared with intraoperative measurements.Results 3DP models of 15 patients were created based on the 3DTEE data.There was no significant difference in the values of measurements between models and cases in vivo by 3DTEE and there were agreements between these two methods.The compression rate of devices was higher in models than in case(P =0.04).Compression rate in models correlated with that in cases (r =0.949, P < 0.01).Four cases were observed with leaks in 3DP models and 6 cases were observed with leaks intraoperatively,the Kappa value of agreement was 0.706. Conclusions Preoperative exercise and evaluation of LAA occlusion can be acquired by the preoperative simulation system based on 3DTEE and 3DP,which can be an important supplement for preoperative preparation.