Methods for measuring right ventricular function and hemodynamic coupling with the pulmonary vasculature

Ann Biomed Eng. 2013 Jul;41(7):1384-98. doi: 10.1007/s10439-013-0752-3. Epub 2013 Feb 20.

Abstract

The right ventricle (RV) is a pulsatile pump, the efficiency of which depends on proper hemodynamic coupling with the compliant pulmonary circulation. The RV and pulmonary circulation exhibit structural and functional differences with the more extensively investigated left ventricle (LV) and systemic circulation. In light of these differences, metrics of LV function and efficiency of coupling to the systemic circulation cannot be used without modification to characterize RV function and efficiency of coupling to the pulmonary circulation. In this article, we review RV physiology and mechanics, established and novel methods for measuring RV function and hemodynamic coupling, and findings from application of these methods to RV function and coupling changes with pulmonary hypertension. We especially focus on non-invasive measurements, as these may represent the future for clinical monitoring of disease progression and the effect of drug therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / physiopathology
  • Lung / blood supply
  • Lung / physiology
  • Pulmonary Circulation
  • Ventricular Function, Right / physiology*