The use of microcomputers in the processing of complex hemodynamic data
Rivera, J.; Meaney, E.; Briseño, M.; Suárez, E.; Llano, E.; Romero, R.; García, A.; González, R.
Archivos del Instituto de Cardiologia de Mexico 50(6): 649-655
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-3785 PMID: 7469607 Document Number: 154974
The use of a low-cost microcomputer in the clinical study of left ventricular diastolic function is described. Left ventricular filling and compliance were studied by simultaneous recording of left ventricular pressure and an echocardiogram displaying ventricular dimensions. A program was written to calculate ventricular volume every 40 ms and a volume-time diagram was obtained. The raw curve was smoothed with a 2nd degree polynomial. The rate of change of ventricular volume (dV/dt) was obtained. Simultaneous left ventricular volume and pressure were plotted. The diastolic exponential portion of the pressure-volume loop was used to calculate an index of ventricular stiffness at zero volume. A simple microcomputer, when conveniently programmed, evidently can perform the time-consuming mathematical operations involved in the clinical assessment of left ventricular diastolic function.