Factors Altering the Filling of the Isolated Left Ventricle of the Dog Heart

Abstract

Ventricular filling was studied in an isolated left ventricle preparation, and mechanical impedance of the ventricular wall was computed throughout the filling period. Changes in work load or heart rate were accompanied by changes in intraventricular pressure curve contours and in the timecourse of the mechanical impedance throughout filling. The filling pattern is characteristically altered as work load or heart rate increases, and after the administration of epinephrine or norepinephrine.