Methods for Generating Propagating Shear Waves Within the Heart Using MR Elastography

Arunark Kolipaka¹, Kiaran P. McGee¹, Philip A. Araoz¹, Richard L. Ehman¹

MR elastography (MRE), a novel method for spatially resolving shear modulus is based on phase-contrast visualization of propagating shear waves within the object of interest. The technique has potential for a variety of cardiac applications but requires uniform propagation of shear waves throughout the myocardium. The aim of this study was to evaluate several methods of shear wave generation within the myocardium of a porcine animal model. Based on the root-mean-square amplitude of the induced shear waves, the optimal device is a single driver placed on the chest.