The LVEF Pen-Tablet Study (Version 1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pen-tablet vs. computer mouse: does changing the manual input device affect the value and/or operator variability in the measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction in 2D transthoracic echocardiography?
IRAS ID
222760
Contact name
Joanne Ashton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 18 days
Research summary
Being able to measure how well the heart is pumping is vital in diagnosing and monitoring a vast range of health conditions. The most commonly used investigation to assess heart function is 2D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). \n\n2D TTE uses ultrasound to capture real-time images of the heart. Displaying these images on computer screens, echocardiographers can make measurements of the size and function of the heart. Measuring the function of the main pumping chamber of the heart is done using a measurement called left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); which tells us the percentage of blood the heart is pumping out with each beat. To make this assessment, the echocardiographer uses the computer mouse to trace around the images of the heart, allowing the computer software to calculate LVEF. \n\nHowever, research shows that repeated LVEF measurements by the same or a different echocardiographer can vary significantly from the previous measurement. This raises concerns that inconsistencies could occur within patient management. Also, making this measurement is tedious and time-consuming for echocardiographers in busy clinics. \n\nIn other imaging specialities, like MRI and CT scanning, healthcare professionals faced similar problems in the past when making tracings around tissues and tumours. They have overcome this problem by swapping the computer mouse for devices such as pen-tablets. Such devices let you control the computer on-screen cursor with a device that replicates a pen you would use for handwriting. \n\nIn this study, we want to see if using a pen-tablet can improve echocardiography practice by reducing the variability in LVEF measurements made during 2D TTE scans; like it has for other imaging specialities. Ultimately, we want to see if replacing the computer mouse with the pen-tablet for this measurement could benefit patients.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SW/0246
Date of REC Opinion
7 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion