One of the techniques that are routine in Dr. Padilla’s laboratory is flow-mediated dilation (FMD), which serves as an index of endothelial function. Optimal assessment of FMD requires simultaneous and continuous acquisition
of blood velocity and arterial diameter via high resolution Doppler ultrasound together with the use of specialized automated arterial wall-tracking software.
According to Dr. Padilla, Cardiovascular Suite (QUIPU) offers an excellent package for wall-tracking analysis in FMD studies.
In his opinion, this program is very user friendly allowing students to become trained and proficient more rapidly than when using other programs that are commercially available. As illustrated in these images, graduate student Lauren Walsh, under the guidance of her mentor Dr. Padilla, is performing an FMD study using the Cardiovascular Suite software.