A method for creating a virtual 2D image of an object moving in a blood vessel includes the steps of: providing an imaging apparatus capable of acquiring 1D images. The imaging apparatus is communicatively coupled to a computer. Multiple 1D images of a substantially fixed footprint on a surface of an organ are acquired over a period of time. A virtual 2D image showing the object moving in the blood vessel is formed by combining by computer the multiple 1D images. The virtual 2D image can be displayed and/or saved to a non-volatile memory. A system to perform the method is also described. Another method for creating a virtual 1D image of an object moving in a blood vessel is also described.
