Dynamic Responses of the Right Ventricle following Extensive Damage by Cauterization

Abstract

Previous observations that major destruction of the right ventricular walls causes but slight changes in venous and arterial pressures were confirmed. Furthermore, additional observations indicated that the compensatory reaction of the damaged ventricle to stress is diminished surprisingly little. The results are considered evidence that the cauterization procedure and others of a similar nature do not produce right heart failure and, therefore, would not be expected to cause venous congestion. The subsidiary muscular mechanism which maintains the right ventricular pump remains enigmatic; but evidence is submitted that the damaged right ventricle is regulated independently of the left.