Biplane stress echocardiography using a prototype matrix-array transducer.

Background: Rapid image acquisition after cessation of exercise is essential for accurate stress echocardiography. Recently, a prototype matrix-array transducer has been developed that allows simultaneous acquisition of 2 imaging planes (biplane [BP] imaging).

Methods: In all, 19 healthy volunteers underwent 2 separate stress echocardiographic studies. Images were acquired in traditional 2-dimensional or BP format pre-exercise and postexercise.

Results: Total image acquisition time for 2-dimensional stress echocardiography was 38 +/- 8 seconds versus 29 +/- 8 seconds for BP imaging (P <.05). Heart rates were acquired closer to age-predicted maximum with BP imaging in the apical 3- and 2-chamber and parasternal long- and short-axis views (82%, 75%, 70%, 70% for BP vs 76%, 72%, 68%, 66% for 2-dimensional, respectively).

Conclusion: BP imaging using a recently developed matrix-array probe allows more rapid imaging postexercise, resulting in acquisition of poststress images at higher heart rates without compromising image quality.