Cardiovascular Flow Diagnosis using Integrative 4D MRI Scans and Virtual Reality System

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnets and pulsed radio frequency to create detailed computer images used to diagnose and screen patients with cardiovascular diseases. The 4D flow MRI is a recent cutting-edge imaging technology that offers more detailed information about the heart chambers and the arterial network. This technology allows clinicians to better visualize blood flow through the cardiovascular system. Although the 4D flow MRI provides clinicians with detailed blood flow structures, it may be more optimal when coupled with real-time immersive visualization technology, like Virtual Reality (VR) systems. In this work, we developed an integrative platform that combines 4D flow MRI data sets with a state-of-the-art VR wireless system that allows clinicians to interact with these data sets using a headset and controllers. The platform is not only flexible enough for visualization purposes, but it can also be used to extract quantitative features for accurate cardiovascular diagnostics.