What is Strain?

Simply stated, strain is deformation (i.e. a change in length) that occurs when a force is applied. Strain is a complex derivative of Doppler imaging and is a more direct measurement of intrinsic myocardial contractility than global values such as ejection fraction or fractional shortening. A positive strain value indicates elongation of tissue where as a negative strain value indicates shortening of tissue. This highly quantitative analysis detects abnormalities not apparent visually.

 

• See cardiac dysfunction early!
• Detect regional abnormalities and tissue deformation to determine disease onset
• Evaluate longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain 
• Measure Dyssynchrony and track disease progression

Conventional 2D echocardiography can measure basic LV function (i.e. area, EF, FS, wall thickness, etc.) for a quick understanding of global cardiac function. For more advanced analysis, speckle tracking algorithms have been developed that harness the high temporal and spatial resolution of ultra high frequency ultrasound.

Our Vevo Strain technology allows for advanced assessment of traditional LV functional parameters as well as global and regional wall motion abnormalities. Myocardial deformation often preceeds onset of changes in EF. Speckle-tracking strain can detect these subtle abnormalities, highlighting early myocardial dysfunction. 

Clear differences seen between normal heart (left) and infarcted heart (right)

Perfect For Research in:

• Myocardial Infarction (Determine the severity of the infarct)
• Cardiac hypertrophy (physiological or pathological)
• Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
• Cardiomyopathy secondary to renal disease