[Left ventricular pressure-volume curve using echocardiography and simultaneous micromanometer immediately before and after operation].

Pressure-volume curve is great valuable for the assessment of left ventricular function. Left ventricular volume is measured using echocardiography and left ventricular pressure is simultaneously recorded by catheter tip micromanometer inserted from ascending aorta through aortic valve or from left atrium through mitral valve. Pressure-volume curve throughout the cardiac cycle is plotted by simultaneous pressure and volume simply without damage of heart. It is possible with this technique to construct pressure-volume curve during some beats. Form of pressure-volume curve, Emax, stroke work and contractility index could apparently provide important prognostic information of postoperative patient. Therefore those date could allow to decide prospectively an appropriate surgical method, an adequate postoperative care and a better definition of an optimal time for surgery.