Merck Sharp + Dohme Corp.

Karim Azer

Craig Fancourt

Matthew Walker, Iii

The present invention uses a microprocessor, a memory storage device, and a segmentation program comprising a plurality of program modules containing computer-readable instructions that cause the microprocessor to measure the spatial offsets between all pairs of scans in an m-mode image of a blood vessel with a cross-correlation function, convert the spatial offsets to a relative wall motion waveform through a global optimization procedure, and then translate the relative wall motion waveform to an absolute wall motion waveform by interpolation over the m-mode image. The resulting detailed absolute wall distension waveform may be beneficially rendered (e.g., superimposed) on the m-mode ultrasound image for display (e.g., on a printer and/or video monitor) and diagnostic purposes, and has enormous potential for enhancing existing techniques for identifying and studying vascular biomarkers, such as vessel wall strain and compliance.

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Livingston, NJ, United States of America

Karim Azer