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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002; 50(1): 16-20
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-20158
Original Cardiovascular
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Right Ventricular Performance During Left Ventricular Unloading Conditions: The Contribution of the Right Ventricular Free Wall

T.  Omoto, H.  Tanabe, P.  J.  LaRia, J.  Guererro, G.  J.  Vlahakes
  • 1Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
Further Information

Publication History

February 19, 2001

Publication Date:
15 February 2002 (online)

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Abstract

Aim: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a significant complication following implantation of left ventricular assist device (LVAD). However, RV performance after LVAD implantation remains unclear. We have studied the effects of preload and afterload on RV performance under left ventricular (LV) unloading. Methods: Six adult mongrel dogs were subjected to cardiopulmonary bypass. RV preload and afterload were independently regulated. Dynamic pressure-length analysis of RV free walls was performed using micromanometer catheter and sonomicrometric dimension transducers. Global RV systolic function was evaluated by the relationship between stroke volume vs. end-diastolic length (EDL) or end-diastolic pressure (EDP). We also examined the afterload dependency of RV performance at constant stroke volume. Results: Stroke volume vs. EDP and stroke volume vs. EDL demonstrated a linear relationship (r2 = 0.849 ± 0.147 and 0.776 ± 0.121, respectively). At constant stroke volume, RV systolic peak pressure vs. EDL or EDP were shown to have a linear relationship (r2 = 0.906 ± 0.050 vs. 0.909 ± 0.047, respectively). Conclusion: The Frank-Starling relationship for RV performance was shown in this animal model. Without interventricular interaction, RV preload is dependent on RV afterload.

Key words

Ventricular assist device - Right ventricle - Right ventricular failure

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MD Tadashi Omoto

Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery
Heart Center North Rhine-Westphalia

Georgstrasse 11

32545 Bad Oeynhausen

Germany

Phone: +49 (5731) 97-0

Fax: +49 (5731) 97-2300

Email: omoto@kddnet.de

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