Nolan Thomas Rice
Department of Mathematical Sciences
The University of Montana
Data Analysis of
The Aortic Valve Complex
Measured by Digital Sonomicrometry
Motivation: In order to develop advanced techniques of repair and more biologically correct instruments of replacement, further study of the aortic valve structure and function is essential. The analysis focuses on the left ventricular myocardium, the aortic valve and the ascending aorta working together as a unit.
Method: Digital sonomicrometry yields data which illustrates the cardiac cycle in two and three-dimensional manners. The key benefit of the method is a high frequency sampling rate (200 Hz) which provides measurements that are yet even closer to the continuous nature of the cycle. Fifteen crystals are placed at specific points in the structure. These crystals report values of distance between each other, which are used to form geometric shapes that are continually changing in size.
Goals: Analysis of the data will include
both summary statistics and continuous models that will describe the behavior
of various locations within the structure. Relationships between
location behavior and pressure (LV and AA) will be analyzed. Ideally,
a more advanced understanding of the structure's behavior will lead to
successful surgical techniques.
Thursday, 28 September 2000
4:10 p.m. in Math 109
Coffee/treats at 3:30 p.m. Math 104 (Lounge)
Fall 2000 Colloquium Schedule | Mathematical Sciences home | The University of Montana home