Continuous Monitoring of Regional Function by a Miniaturized Ultrasound Transducer Allows Early Quantification of Low-Grade Myocardial Ischemia

The epicardially attached miniaturized ultrasound transducer allowed the precise detection of different levels of coronary flow reduction. The results also showed a quantitative and linear relationship among coronary flow, ischemia, and myocardial function. Thus, the ultrasound transducer has the potential to improve the monitoring of myocardial ischemia and to detect graft failure during and after heart surgery.