Recursive filter for phase velocity assisted shape-based tracking of cardiac non-rigid motion

A framework for tracking pointwise periodic non-rigid motion of the heart's left ventricular (LV) wall is presented which incorporates information from two different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. New developments in phase-contrast cine MR imaging have produced spatial maps of instantaneous velocity that have proven accuracy within the myocardium, or wall, of the heart. This information is combined with shape-based matching techniques to provide improved estimates of trajectories, especially in regions where shape information is limited. These raw trajectories act as input to a recursive least squares (RLS) filter which applies the constraints of temporal periodicity and spatial smoothness for the final estimate. The results of the RLS filter are compared with the motion of actual implanted markers. Comparisons are also made between exclusively shape-based filtered and phase-contrast enhanced trajectory estimates using both phantom and actual canine heart MR images.