Adaptation of speckle tracking algorithm for estimating global and regional left ventricular function

Speckle tracking techniques are widely used for such application as a procedure of heart wall borders tracing in echocardiography. We propose methods for increasing an accuracy and stability of speckle tracking. Suggested method is based on prediction the speckle´s location at the next frame of ultrasonic image and a weighted correlation function is used in order to obtain new coordinates of speckle´s center. Square and cubic extrapolations were used as a method for speckle´s center position prediction. Testing of this algorithm with real echocardiologic images showed appropriateness of this method for assessing left ventricke functions.