Objective: To evaluate right ventricular function in patients with chronic heart failure by applying tissue velocity imaging.Methods: Nineteen patients who were diagnosed as chronic heart failure with NYHA grade1～3 and LVEF≤45%(Simpson method)were enrolled as heart failure group.Fourteen healthy subjects who were age-matched were taken as control group.After the tissue velocity imaging curve of tricuspid ring on level of right ventricular free wall from apical four chamber view was got

the following parameters were measured:mean peak velocities[velocity of ejection phase(VS)

velocity of rapid filling phase(VE) and velocity of atrial systole period(VA)] of the longitudinal motion

duration of different phases [isovolumetric contraction phase(IVC)

ejection phase(S) and isovolumic relaxation phase(IVR)].Results: Compared with control group

VS and VE of tricuspid ring on level of right ventricular free wall were reduced in heart failure group

whereas VA

IVC

VE/VA

S and IVR were not significantly different.Conclusion: Analyzing tricuspid annular motion

especially Vs and VE by applying TVI is sensitive to the evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with heart failure.