Uncovering stiff or leaky heart valves

Modern ultrasound scanners combined with technological developments at NTNU may improve diagnostics for dis- eases related to narrow or leaky heart valves. Advanced 3D Doppler and high frame rate imaging makes it possible to visualise cardiac flow and minor movements of the heart’s muscular tissue more precisely, according to PhD Candidates Torvald Espeland and Erik Andreas Rye Berg.

In-probe receivers for medical ultrasound systems

There are two important steps when solving any problem: first, knowing there is one and, subsequently, finding out how to solve that problem. An example could be, in our case, having an electronic image of the heart and, through the analysis of doctors (cardiologists) or via artificial intelligence (AI), finding both the problem and solution.

How can we improve cardiac diagnostics at the GP’s office?

Cardiac diseases are a major health concern and many of the patients in a general practitioner’s (GPs) office have heart conditions. Hand-held ultrasound device (HUD) can improve the GP’s diagnostic possibilities. We want to evaluate if a training program with focus on practical ultrasound skills can help the GP’s to correctly diagnose certain heart conditions by using HUD. If successful, unnecessary referrals could be avoided and patients in need of specialist care would avoid delay in diagnosis and treatment.