In vivo validation of blood flow estimation using the decorrelation of radiofrequency intravascular echo signals

Last year we reported on a method for flow estimation from the decorrelation properties of radio frequency intravascular ultrasound signals from blood. This year optimization of the method and validation in an animal study and the first human applications are reported. In vivo validation results obtained in various flow conditions indicate that this method is able to provide accurate and reproducible measure of blood volume flow rate, offering a unique opportunity to simultaneously assess physiologic and anatomic parameters in humans.