Bedside evaluation of heart tracking in the postoperative patient

A device to track and record the motion of the left ventricular border of the heart has been designed and is undergoing validation in human beings. The system involves the use of track-while-scan-techniques applied to video signals from a fluoroscope image intensifier. Results of studies obtained from the animal laboratory as well as from human beings indicate good correlation with standardized contractility indexes as well as with systolic time intervals, an alternative noninvasive technique.