[Methods of calculation of functional volumes of the heart ventricle]

The method of thermodilution permitted a broader investigation of the methods of calculations of the functional heart volumes. Two methods (Holt and Luthy) were compared with one another and with the control. Both methods were used for calculating the end-diastolic volume (Qed). Studies in the calorimeter and on a model with a pulsating flow demonstrated that the first portion of the thermodilution curve is a function of the myocardial contractility. Both the Holt and Luthy methods give equally reliable results, but the Holt technique is preferable for Qed measurements.