The Left Ventricular End-Systolic Pressure Correlation with Aortic Valve Timing; a Novel Inotropic Index Description Using a Dual Pressure Catheter

Myocardial contraction is generated by ventricular pressure in early systole by the isometric force against closed valves, as ventricle is contracting without changing volume. This initial contractile phase of cardiac cycle (early systole) is followed by rapid shortening, isotonic contraction, allowing ejection of the blood against changing LV afterload. LV is coupled to the systemic arterial pressure; hence LV ejection is closely linked to the properties of the aortic valve, aorta, and its distributing arteries. Isometric relationship in the LV was characterized using the load-dependent example (naïve vs. post-dobutamine), observed mostly in case of rate of rise of LVP, LV ESP and decrease of pulse wave velocity, characteristics of LV baroinometry. Furthermore, by performing load-independent maneuver, afterload (LV ESP) was adjusting at every cardiac cycle, while an assessment of LV ESP and aortic valve timing was able to be established. By plotting decaying LV ESP against aortic valve timing, highly linear correlation of load-independent isotonic, but also an isometric contractility was captured. Steeper linear slope and time-axis intercept (IC) were identified in case of post-inotropic challenge, recapitulating changes otherwise measured during pressure-volume exam. This relationship, measured by dual-pressure catheter, could serve as novel inotropic index of functional cardiac contractility. Keywords: Left Ventricle (LV); Contractility; Inotropy; Load-Dependent and Independent; Stressed Volume; Dual Pressure Catheter. 1. Assessment of cardiac contractility using dual pressure catheter. 2. IVCO inferior vena cava occlusion, ECC excitation-contraction coupling, EF ejection fraction, TTE transthoracic echocardiography, Ea end arterial elastance, PRSW preload recruitable stroke work, IC intercept, PWV pulse wave velocity.