Three-Dimensional Field Optimization Method: Clinical Validation of a Novel Color Doppler Method for Quantifying Mitral Regurgitation

Quantitative Three-Dimensional Color Flow Echocardiography of Chronic Mitral Regurgitation: New Methods, New Perspectives, New Challenges

“…Perhaps the most important finding in the studies by Pierce et al 5 and Tan et al 6 is the value of automation. Three-dimensional data sets are inherently rich in data, and the need for manual extraction of quantitative data has been and continues to be one of the most important challenges to its routine use in everyday practice, even when the acoustic window is optimal.…”

“…However, there are technical and practical challenges with 3D CFD, which have hindered its routine use. In this issue of JASE, Pierce et al 5 and Tan et al 6 describe an approach using an algorithm called the 3D field optimization method (FOM), which generates a 3D flow vector velocity field in the FCR by comparing the modeled flow field with the observed spatial distribution of flow velocity vectors in the FCR proximal to the orifice. The FOM then computes regurgitant volume (RVol) using the instantaneous flow velocities integrated over the duration of MR.…”

Echocardiographic evaluation of mitral valve regurgitation

“…Therefore, an integrative approach using supportive spectral Doppler and 2D echocardiographic parameters is recommended when suspecting significant MR on CD. The utility of 3D CD in assessing MR severity is emerging because of its ability to view both the flow convergence zone and the vena contracta en face [26] .…”

3D and 4D Ultrasound: Current Progress and Future Perspectives

“…Recently, novel approaches and softwares using automatic 3D color Doppler have been utilized to better quantify MR. Heo et al demonstrated that automatic quantitation of MR using 3D full volume color Doppler TTE was superior to 2D full volume color Doppler TTE, as compared with CMR [ 53 ]. In addition, studies in animal models have shown that novel 3D color Doppler ultrasound algorithm based on the field optimization method (FOM) is feasible, accurate, and reproducible in calculating EROA [ 54 , 55 ].…”