Computerized left ventricular pressure-volume relationships (pV-loops) using disposable angiographic tip transducer pigtail catheters.

Left ventricular pressure-volume relationships expressed as pV loops could yield important hemodynamic information in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Many clinical situations might benefit from a quantitative assessment of left ventricular function. Potential applications of pV loops include the assessment of vasoactive and inotropic drugs, balloon valvuloplasty, coronary angioplasty, and surgical treatment of valvular heart disease. For many years the clinical use of pV loops has been hindered by logistical difficulties. The ability to merge on-line concurrent digital imaging data for computation of left ventricular volume and digital left ventricular pressure wave forms obtained from high fidelity tip-transducer angiocatheters has allowed us to develop a technique which can generate pV loops during cardiac catheterization procedures. The method offers an automated measurement of left ventricular volume independent of edge detection or an interactive technique for tracing endocardial borders by a trained operator. Illustrative case studies are included to demonstrate the potential of the method during ventricular angiographic procedures. Implementation and computational time requirements of the method are discussed. The concept and the value of pV loop generation to study left ventricular performance has been known for many years. Combining digital imaging and digital physiologic data obtained with disposable tip-transducer angiocatheters with modern networking technology, the technique can more easily be applied to catheterization procedures and could enhance invasive hemodynamic assessment of left ventricular function.