How New Tools Are Transforming the Evaluation of Left Ventricular Systolic Function

As we look ahead to BSEcho 2025, I’m particularly excited to explore the latest developments in the assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic function, a cornerstone of echocardiographic practice. 

BSEcho 2025, hosted by the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE), is a flagship event in cardiovascular imaging. It brings together clinicians, researchers, and innovators to share insights and shape the future of echocardiography. 

LV systolic function refers to the ability of the left ventricle to contract and pump blood into the aorta, and ultimately to the rest of the body, during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle. 

Despite the availability of established 2D methods such as Biplane Simpson’s, Teichholz, and more advanced techniques like 3D volumetric imaging, questions remain about how accurately we evaluate LV systolic function in routine clinical settings. Technical limitations, image quality, and inter-observer variability continue to challenge consistency and reliability. 

LV systolic function, especially left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), is a critical parameter in guiding clinical decisions. It plays a vital role in: 

• Monitoring cardiotoxicity in treatments like Herceptin, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy 
• Determining timing of intervention in valvular heart disease 
• Identifying early ventricular decompensation before symptoms appear 

With the emergence of strain imaging, AI-based automation, and other novel tools, the field is evolving rapidly. I’m eager to explore how these advancements can be integrated into daily practice to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. 

BSEcho 2025 offers a valuable opportunity to reflect, learn, and refine our approach to LV function assessment, and I look forward to bringing those insights back to my work with Xyla.