TomTec Introduces Its New Clinical 3D Package For Left Ventricular Diagnostics

Munich, Germany - 4D LV-Function(C) offers doctors an easy, fast and accurate tool for comprehensive left ventricular analysis using three-dimensional echocardiographic datasets. Because it is designed for routine clinical use, the software focuses on clinically proven parameters for analyzing left ventricular function and quantifying dyssynchrony. To ensure the assessment of the left ventricular function that is detailed enough for new therapies, the 4D LV-Function(C) software provides analyses and values with high accuracy and reproducibility. But because it uses echocardiographic data, the information is available from a cost-effective, bedside examination, with no known contraindications.

Echocardiography is facing more and more competition from modalities like cardiac MRI, because these are considered to provide more reliable quantification. Though 4D LV-Function(C) uses 3D Echo data, the LV-functional information it produces correlates well with results from cardiac MRI. It not only overcomes the limits and inaccuracies inherent in LV shape assumptions used in 2D methods, it can also provide a full assessment of the left ventricle, including volumes, EF and synchronicity, in under a minute. 4D LV-Function(C) features advanced automatic contour finding algorithms for an easy, fast, accurate and highly reproducible functional analysis of the left ventricle, even for patients that are difficult to image.

4D LV-Function(C) uses 3D data sets to quantify 3D volumes over time. The software tracks the endocardial border of the ventricle in three dimensions, thus providing a model that represents the true geometry of the ventricle. It derives Stroke Volume and Ejection Fraction from those measurements . Using a 16-segment model, 4D LV-Function(C) can also perform regional volumetric analysis on subdivisions of the ventricle. This makes it straightforward to diagnose problems of both global and regional function of the ventricle.

4D LV-Function(C) can also assess the timing of regional contraction, presenting a measure of the dyssynchrony of the ventricle. This Systolic Dyssynchrony Index (SDI) has the potential to become the index of choice in judging dyssynchrony for the selection of patients that should respond well to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

TomTec developed the 4D LV-Function(C) software with leading clinical partners. An emphasis was placed on user-friendliness. "4D LV-Function(C) is a dedicated 3D clinical application for the left ventricular function, with an easy and quick workflow that makes it practicable in the doctor's daily clinical routine" said Frank Schlau, TomTec's Senior Vice-President for Sales & Marketing.

Rolf Baumann, TomTec's Product Marketing Manager adds, "With the increasing availability of 3D Echo systems, assessing LV function based on 3D datasets will become routine. It increases accuracy, is less operator dependant, and with the help of software like 4D LV-Function(C), there is no increase in the time needed for the examination".

SOURCE: TomTec Imaging Systems GmbH