An ellipsoidal shell subtraction model of the right ventricle: validation and application in vivo

Right ventricular free-wall regional segment lengths and segment area were found to correlate linearly with cavity volume in isolated canine hearts, but were dependent also on left ventricular volume. In contrast, an ellipsoidal shell subtraction model of the right ventricle provided accurate estimates of cavity volume independent of left ventricular volume. The same model permitted continuous recordings of dynamic right ventricular volume fluctuations in vivo, accurately estimated right ventricular stroke volume, and permitted the first determinations in conscious dogs of the right ventricular end-systolic pressure-volume and stroke-work-end-diastolic-volume relationships proved to be linear, providing convenient models of right ventricular systolic performance.<>