Patrick Sullivan Introduction to Cardiac Mechanics Understanding how the heart functions goes beyond just knowing that it pumps blood. At its core, cardiac mechanics provides a detailed explanation of how the heart generates pressure, moves volumes of blood, and responds to physiological demands. Among the many tools used to evaluate cardiac function, the PV loop and Frank … Read more
Introduction to Myocardial Work and Cardiac Reserve The heart is an incredible muscle—relentlessly beating to pump blood and meet the body’s demands. But what happens when those demands increase? Whether you’re exercising, climbing stairs, or under physiological stress, your heart must rise to the occasion. This capacity is known as cardiac reserve, and it’s closely … Read more
Introduction to Real-Time PV Loop Monitoring In the evolving landscape of cardiac surgery, patient safety and outcome optimization are paramount. One of the most innovative tools supporting these goals is real-time PV loop monitoring. This advanced technique provides clinicians with a dynamic view of the heart’s mechanical function, allowing them to assess how well it … Read more
The RV PV loop is a powerful graphical representation that describes the pressure-volume relationship of the right ventricle. As a fundamental model, it plays a key role in understanding right ventricular mechanics. Unlike its left-sided counterpart, the right ventricle exhibits unique structural, functional, and hemodynamic features, making this loop crucial for both clinical assessment and … Read more
Introduction The assessment of intraventricular dyssynchrony is crucial in diagnosing and managing heart failure and other cardiac dysfunctions. Among the various measurement techniques, conductance catheterization has emerged as a powerful tool for real-time, high-fidelity intracardiac volume assessment. This article explores the fundamental principles and methodologies behind conductance catheter measures of intraventricular dyssynchrony, setting the foundation … Read more
Introduction The Pmax derivation of contractility is a crucial concept in cardiovascular physiology, particularly in understanding the heart’s ability to generate force during systole. This principle is closely related to the End-Systolic Pressure-Volume Relationship (ESPVR), which serves as a key indicator of myocardial contractility. By analyzing Pmax, or the theoretical maximum pressure the ventricle can … Read more
Introduction Pressure-volume (PV) loops provide a dynamic representation of cardiac performance, offering valuable insights into the pathophysiology of various heart diseases. PV Loops in Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM) are particularly distinctive, revealing the hallmark diastolic dysfunction that defines the disease. By comparing these PV loops with those seen in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), … Read more
Introduction Pressure-volume (PV) loops provide a crucial insight into cardiac function by illustrating the relationship between ventricular pressure and volume throughout the cardiac cycle. In Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), these loops undergo distinct alterations, reflecting the disease’s hallmark characteristics: increased end-diastolic volumes, impaired systolic function, and reliance on preload augmentation to sustain cardiac output. This article … Read more
Introduction Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex myocardial disorder characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy, often leading to diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Understanding the intricate hemodynamics of HCM is crucial for effective patient management. PV loops in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Pressure-Volume loops) serve as a powerful tool to analyze cardiac mechanics, offering valuable … Read more
Introduction Pressure-volume (PV) loops are essential tools in cardiovascular physiology, offering valuable insights into cardiac function and hemodynamic status. In cardiogenic shock, where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, PV loops provide a critical window into the mechanics of ventricular performance. A key phenomenon observed in this state is impaired preload responsiveness due to … Read more