ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY: IMAGE PROCESSING IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC IMAGES.

In this paper we have attempted to address particular problems in applying image processing techniques to echocardiographic images. Thus, we have considered some aspects of image formation and tried to emphasize some of the differences between ultrasound images and other medical images which result from its being a long wavelength, low energy technique and the fact that its resolution cell is asymmetric. We have also considered some of the elements of processing in terms of hardware necessary. It has been stressed that the hardware can vary greatly depending on where the ultrasound signals are accessed and how rapidly one wishes to process the data. We have also discussed the application of standard operators to ultrasound images. Finally, an approach has been described demonstrating the use of multiple processing techniques combined to accomplish endocardial edge detection.