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BACKGROUND: Acute right ventricular (RV) hypertension may result in hemodynamic collapse. The associated reduction in left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume is thought to result from reduced RV output (secondary to RV ischemia) and adverse direct ventricular interaction. Aortic constriction improves cardiac function in these circumstances; this has been attributed to a reversal of the RV ischemia caused by an increased coronary perfusion pressure. We hypothesized that altered ventricular interaction, potentially via altered septal mechanics, may also contribute to the beneficial effects of aortic constriction. METHODS AND RESULTS: We instrumented nine dogs with ultrasonic dimension crystals to measure RV segment length, septum-to-RV free wall and septum-to-LV free wall diameters, and LV anterioposterior diameter. Catheter-tipped manometers were used to measure LV and RV pressures. Pericardial pressure was measured with flat, liquid-containing balloon transducers. Inflatable cuff constrictors were placed on the pulmonary artery (PA) and aorta, and a flow probe was placed on the PA. The right coronary artery (RCA) was perfused independently by a roller pump calibrated for flow. During moderate PA constriction, while RCA pressure was maintained at control level, RCA flow did not change significantly (15.8 +/- 6.2 to 16.9 +/- 11.5 mL/min) and was similar during severe PA constriction (18.6 +/- 9.8 mL/min). During severe PA constriction, RV stroke volume decreased from a control value of 10.3 +/- 4.9 to 2.3 +/- 1.4 mL/beat (P < .05). When aortic constriction was added while RCA pressure was maintained at control level, there was an increase in RV stroke volume to 4.5 +/- 2.0 mL/beat (P < .05) with no associated change in RCA flow (17.8 +/- 9.5 mL/min). However, pressure-dimension loops clearly demonstrated changes in diastolic and systolic ventricular interaction; with aortic constriction, there was a large increase in the transeptal pressure gradient associated with a rightward septal shift. During either isolated severe PA constriction or simultaneous severe PA and aortic constriction, RCA flow was increased until RCA pressure was approximately equal to that in the aorta. This produced an increase in RCA flow of 50% (P < .05); however, this increase in coronary flow was ineffective in improving any measure of RV function. CONCLUSIONS: In this model of acute RV hypertension, aortic constriction improves cardiac function, at least in part, by altering ventricular interaction independent of changes in RCA flow. Changes in RCA flow do not appear to have a significant impact on cardiac function in this model in which coronary artery pressure was maintained at normal or increased levels.
Belenkie et al. (Tue,) studied this question.