Detailed flow visualization in fetal and neonatal hearts using 2-D speckle tracking

Two-dimensional blood speckle tracking has shown promise for measuring the complex flow patterns in neonatal hearts when based on linear array and high-frame-rate plane wave imaging. For phased array pediatric imaging, additional challenges emerge due to the reduced lateral bandwidth and increased imaging depth and field-of-view. In this work, a clinically approved setup with pediatric phased array probes and unfocused pulses was used to investigate the potential of blood speckle tracking to acquire 2-D vector velocity maps for neonates, infants and children with congenital heart disease.