Patrick Sullivan Aortic stenosis (AS) is a progressive and serious condition that affects the heart’s ability to efficiently pump blood to the rest of the body. Specifically, aortic stenosis increases the workload on the heart by narrowing the aortic valve, which reduces the blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. One of the most critical … Read more
Heart failure is a complex and progressive condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. One of the critical tools used to understand the mechanics of heart failure is the pressure-volume (PV) loop. This loop is a graphical representation of the relationship between pressure and volume in the heart during one complete cardiac … Read more
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, leading to progressive strain on the right side of the heart. As the right ventricle (RV) plays a crucial role in pumping blood through the lungs, it faces unique challenges under increased pulmonary artery pressure. A powerful tool in understanding … Read more
Understanding the pathophysiology of systolic heart failure is crucial to diagnosing and treating this condition effectively. One of the most insightful methods to examine heart function in systolic heart failure is by analyzing the pressure-volume loop. This graphical representation provides a comprehensive view of the changes in stroke volume, contractility, and overall left ventricular function … Read more
Pressure-volume (PV) loops are a cornerstone in understanding cardiac physiology, offering a graphical representation of the relationship between pressure and volume within the heart during a cardiac cycle. These loops provide critical insights into ventricular function, particularly contractility, which is the intrinsic ability of the heart muscle (myocardium) to generate force during contraction, independent of … Read more
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) has become a cornerstone in treating patients with heart failure (HF), specifically those who exhibit electrical dyssynchrony. It works by improving the synchrony of ventricular contractions, which enhances the overall efficiency of the heart. Traditionally, CRT has been guided by ECG and imaging techniques such as echocardiography to ensure optimal lead … Read more
Introduction Hemodynamic monitoring is a critical component in managing patients with cardiovascular conditions. Accurate, real-time assessment of cardiac function is paramount to optimizing treatment and improving patient outcomes. The Inca® Pressure Volume Loop (PV Loop) System represents a significant advancement in this field, providing clinicians with a powerful tool for evaluating cardiac function with unparalleled … Read more
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex and often hereditary heart condition characterized by the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, primarily affecting the left ventricle. This thickening can lead to impaired diastolic filling, where the heart struggles to relax and fill with blood between contractions. One of the most informative and advanced techniques for evaluating … Read more
In recent years, conductance catheter design has undergone significant advancements, revolutionizing cardiovascular diagnostics and interventions. These catheters, essential for measuring volumetric and pressure changes in the heart, are now more accurate and less invasive, offering substantial benefits to both physicians and patients. The push for improvements has primarily focused on refining the precision of measurements … Read more
In cardiology, pressure-volume loops are critical tools for understanding the mechanical performance of the heart. These loops illustrate the relationship between left ventricular pressure and volume during a cardiac cycle, offering insights into how the heart fills with blood and pumps it into circulation. In cases of mitral stenosis, a narrowing of the mitral valve, … Read more