Transthoracic echocardiography is a non-invasive method to characterize structure, function and hemodynamics of the heart in living, anesthetized animals. VisualSonics Vevo 20100 ultrasound machine equipped with MS550D and MS250 linear transducers and software designed for mouse and rat imaging is available. In addition to standard B- and M-mode acquisition for structural and functional analyses of the heart, the system is equipped with color, power and tissues doppler modes enabling blood flow quantification and assessment of diastolic function. VevoStrain™ Analysis software is also available for more advanced analysis of cardiac function.
