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Second Harmonic Imaging improves Echocardiograph Quality on board the International Space StationUltrasound (US) capabilities have been part of the Human Research Facility (HRF) on board the International Space Station (ISS) since 2001. The US equipment on board the ISS includes a first-generation Tissue Harmonic Imaging (THI) option. Harmonic imaging (HI) is the second harmonic response of the tissue to the ultrasound beam and produces robust tissue detail and signal. Since this is a first-generation THI, there are inherent limitations in tissue penetration. As a breakthrough technology, HI extensively advanced the field of ultrasound. In cardiac applications, it drastically improves endocardial border detection and has become a common imaging modality. U.S. images were captured and stored as JPEG stills from the ISS video downlink. US images with and without harmonic imaging option were randomized and provided to volunteers without medical education or US skills for identification of endocardial border. The results were processed and analyzed using applicable statistical calculations. The measurements in US images using HI improved measurement consistency and reproducibility among observers when compared to fundamental imaging. HI has been embraced by the imaging community at large as it improves the quality and data validity of US studies, especially in difficult-to-image cases. Even with the limitations of the first generation THI, HI improved the quality and measurability of many of the downlinked images from the ISS and should be an option utilized with cardiac imaging on board the ISS in all future space missions.
Document ID
20080045807
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Garcia, Kathleen
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Sargsyan, Ashot
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Hamilton, Douglas
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Martin, David
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Ebert, Douglas
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Melton, Shannon
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Dulchavsky, Scott
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2008
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Meeting Information
Meeting: 80th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Aerospace Medical Association
Location: California
Country: United States
Start Date: May 3, 2009
End Date: May 7, 2009
Sponsors: Aerospace Medical Association
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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