Real-time volume measurements in the isolated beating rat heart

A new technique, utilizing scattered X-rays, has been developed that is capable of measuring isolated working rat heart left ventricular (LV) volumes continuously throughout the cardiac cycle. The technique was validated by comparing cardiac outputs measured via fluid collections (r=0.959, n=10). The new methodology will permit real-time measurements of pressure-volume relationships, stroke work, and indexes of diastolic function in the isolated working rat heart.<
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