Rigorous experimental validation and translation to other imaging modalities of a novel index for the non-invasive quantification of intrinsic myocardial contractility.

We have recently proposed a novel echocardiographic approach to estimate LV contractility noninvasively using the slope of segmental passive stretch (preS) and systolic strain (SS) relationship. In a clinical study we have demonstrated that this parameter is preload independent and sensitive to the changes of contractility. These results are very promising given that such a non-invasive estimate of myocardial contractility could be easily applied clinically and would provide critical diagnostic information that unavailable to the clinician to date. As such, based on these findings, a patent has been filed in February 2013.

The aim of the current project is to strengthen this patent by:

1. performing a rigorous validation of the proposed parameter in an experimental animal setting
2. to demonstrate that the same measurement concept can be used based on other imaging modalities.