Assessment of LV performance based on finite element analysis of intra cavity flow patterns

A method which may prove useful in the assessment of the global and regional left ventricular (LV) performance during the ejection period is introduced. The method utilizes data extracted from angiographic studies, and by the use of the finite element method with the assumption of potential flow calculates the instantaneous intra cavity flow patterns. The obtained results are then processed in terms of energy and utilized for calculating global and regional ejection efficiency indices. Six human patients, of which three had an abnormal LV contraction, were studied. The results indicate that the global ejection efficiency index is significantly higher in normally contracting LVs (average=1.35±0.35 s.d.) as compared to abnormally contracting hearts (average=0.46±0.29 s.d.)