Left Ventricular Performance During By-Pass or Distension of the Right Ventricle

Abstract

A dog heart preparation was used to investigate the direct or mechanical effects of a right ventricular by-pass and of right ventricular distension on the performance of the left ventricle. Several other factors known to affect left ventricular performance were eliminated. The data obtained indicate impairment of left ventricular function either by right ventricular by-pass or by right ventricular distension. It is suggested that this impairment may be due to a direct effect of the volume of blood contained in the right ventricle and of right ventricular function on the common muscle bundles that encircle both ventricles.