A mathematical model for the assessment of hemodynamic parameters using quantitative contrast echocardiography

A mathematical model for the assessment of hemodynamic parameters using quantitative echocardiography is presented. The method involves the intravenous injection of an ultrasonic echo contrast agent. The relative enhancement of the backscattered ultrasound intensity is measured as a function of time (the time-intensity curve). From this measurement, the volume flow rate (cardiac output) and the mixing volume are calculated. Relevant acoustic properties of the ultrasound contrast agent are discussed. An in vitro experiment is performed to corroborate the theory presented.