Documentation
Introduction
Flow 2.0 is a quantitative post-processing platform for phase-contrast MRI, with dedicated support for real-time acquisitions (RT-PC).
The original framework (🔗Flow 1.0) was developed in 2000 by Olivier Balédent for the post-processing of cine phase-contrast MRI, integrating data reading, image segmentation, and quantitative export within a unified workflow.
In 2017, the platform was substantially extended by his PhD student, Pan Liu, to address the methodological challenges associated with real-time phase-contrast imaging.
Flow 2.0 is currently employed in multiple research laboratories and hospital centers for both scientific and clinical-oriented investigations.
This documentation outlines the standard processing pipeline, guiding users from data import to quantitative flow analysis.
Global Processing Workflow
Flow 2.0 follows a structured end-to-end processing pipeline designed for reproducible quantitative analysis of RT-PC data.
The workflow consists of the following sequential stages:
Data import → Image segmentation → Background phase correction → Aliasing correction (optional) → Signal visualization (optional) → Signal post-processing (optional) → Data export.
Each stage is implemented within a dedicated interface while remaining integrated within a unified processing environment. This modular structure ensures methodological transparency and workflow continuity.
Demonstration
The following video demonstrates the complete flow quantification workflow using the carotid artery as an example, performed at the highest automation level to provide a rapid global overview of the software.
Video 1. Demonstration of the standard Flow 2.0 processing workflow.