A new method to estimate cardiac contractility and pressure-volume area

A method for obtaining the cardiac contractility index (E/sub max/) and the pressure-volume area (PVA) without the need for measurement of left ventricular volume is presented. The method allows calculation of these parameters from pressure and flow waveforms of ejecting beats. It requires only a single isovolumic ventricular contraction performed at any end systolic volume. The method is based on the Suga-Sagawa ventricular model and its representation in the pressure-volume plane.<
>