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
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 Cardiac function is a complex interplay of mechanical and biochemical factors. One of the key parameters in assessing diastolic function is the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR), which describes how ventricular pressure changes with volume at the end of diastole. This relationship is influenced by myocardial stiffness, loading conditions, and autonomic regulation, particularly the effect … Read more
Introduction The RV PV Loop (Right Ventricular Pressure-Volume Loop) is a fundamental tool used to assess the dynamic function of the right ventricle (RV) under varying physiological and pathological conditions. One of the key disruptions in right ventricular function is pulmonary valve leakage, also known as pulmonary regurgitation. This condition results in the backward flow … Read more
Introduction The left atrial (LA) pressure-volume (PV) loop is a crucial tool for understanding the mechanical function of the left atrial chamber in the heart. With left atrial enlargement (LAE), significant changes occur in the compliance and function of the left atrial, affecting cardiovascular performance. This article explores how PV loops change due to left … Read more
Introduction The human cardiovascular system operates through a complex interplay between the heart and blood vessels to maintain optimal circulation. A critical aspect of this interaction is ventriculo-arterial coupling, which describes the balance between cardiac contractility and arterial load. This balance ensures efficient energy transfer from the heart to the arteries, optimizing cardiac output and … Read more
Introduction Cardiovascular function is a complex interplay between the heart and vasculature, particularly between the right ventricle (RV) and pulmonary artery (PA). The efficiency of this relationship, termed RV-PA coupling, is a crucial determinant of right heart function. A key tool in evaluating RV-PA coupling is the pressure-volume (PV) loop analysis, which provides insights into … Read more
Introduction The heart functions as a highly efficient pump, dynamically adjusting to changing physiological conditions. Two critical factors influencing cardiac function are afterload and preload, which directly impact stroke work and overall cardiac efficiency. These parameters are best analyzed using PV loops: High-fidelity hemodynamics, a graphical representation of ventricular pressure-volume relationships. Understanding the interactions between … Read more
The Frank-Starling principle, one of the cornerstone concepts in cardiovascular physiology, explains how changes in ventricular preload influence stroke volume. This physiological phenomenon is effectively illustrated through shifts in the pressure-volume (PV) loops and the Frank-Starling Curve, making these tools indispensable for understanding cardiac function. In this article, we’ll delve deep into the Frank-Starling Law, … Read more
Preload is a fundamental concept in cardiovascular physiology, especially in the context of pressure-volume (PV) loops. It refers to the ventricular wall stress or stretch at the end of diastole, determined by the volume of blood returning to the heart. Understanding preload is essential for clinicians, physiologists, and researchers as it directly influences cardiac function … Read more