Determination of myocardial perfusion and coronary flow reserve by densitometric measurements: a selective classification of regions of interest

To evaluate the functional effect of a coronary artery stenosis on the dependent myocardium, digitized coronary angiograms (DCAs) were recorded. The DCAs, acquired during heart catheterization, provide information about myocardial perfusion and coronary flow reserve of areas supplied by this coronary artery. For each analysis the myocardium is separated into different regions of interest (ROIs); 16 ROIs in the distribution of the LCA and 8 ROIs for the RCA. In addition to that, the ROIs of the diseased vessels are divided into ROIs which are proximal, within and distal to the stenosis. Using a semiautomatic procedure, densograms are constructed from which the parameter rise time is calculated.<
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