Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy is a widely used intervention in critical care cardiology. It assists the heart in managing hemodynamic compromise by enhancing myocardial oxygen supply and decreasing demand. One essential tool for understanding the effects of IABP therapy is pressure-volume (PV) loops, which visually represent cardiac mechanics. In this article, we’ll explore how … Read more
Heart failure is a complex and often progressive condition that can require advanced mechanical assistance when medication and lifestyle changes no longer suffice. One such advanced intervention is the use of a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), a mechanical pump that aids heart function and blood flow in individuals with severe heart failure. Traditional LVADs … Read more
Examining cardiac function in patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be complex due to the intricate interactions between the heart and the ECMO circuit. Pressure-volume (PV) loops have emerged as a valuable tool to monitor cardiac function in real time, providing clinicians with dynamic insights into a patient’s heart performance while on ECMO. … Read more
Evaluating the cardiovascular safety of new drugs is a critical component of pharmacology. One of the most reliable tools for this purpose is Pressure-Volume (PV) loop analysis, which provides a real-time assessment of cardiac function by monitoring the relationship between left ventricular pressure and volume. PV loops for safety pharmacology studies have become increasingly important … Read more
Introduction Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex and potentially fatal condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often leading to right heart failure. Diagnosing PH accurately, particularly in its early stages, is crucial to managing patient outcomes. Traditional diagnostic methods include echocardiography and right heart catheterization (RHC). However, recent advances in PV … Read more
Introduction Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a condition where the tricuspid valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the right atrium during systole. This condition primarily affects the right side of the heart, but due to the concept of ventricular interdependence, it also significantly influences left ventricular (LV) performance. In particular, changes … Read more
The field of organ transplantation has made incredible strides, particularly in the use of donation after circulatory death (DCD) hearts. However, assessing the viability of these hearts remains a significant challenge. One of the most promising tools for evaluating the functionality of DCD hearts is PV loop screening of DCD hearts, which allows for real-time … Read more
Introduction Mechanical circulatory support devices have revolutionized the management of patients with advanced heart failure, especially those awaiting heart transplants or experiencing chronic heart conditions. Among these devices, ventricular assist devices (VADs) stand out as a significant tool, assisting in the reduction of cardiac workload and enhancing overall circulatory function. One of the primary physiological … Read more
In congenital aortic stenosis (AS), the left ventricle faces a significant challenge due to the obstruction caused by a narrowed aortic valve. This condition imposes an increased afterload on the heart, which significantly alters the pressure-volume (PV) loops. These loops are graphical representations that depict the dynamic changes in left ventricular volume and pressure during … Read more
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex cardiac condition where the heart maintains normal pumping ability, but its capacity to fill properly is compromised. Unlike heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), where the heart’s ability to pump blood is diminished, HFpEF involves challenges in ventricular filling, leading to significant impacts on … Read more