Role of intra-ventricular vortex in left ventricular ejection elucidated by echo-dynamography

From the correlation between the blood flow dynamics and wall dynamics in the left ventriocle (LV) analyzed using echo-dynamography, the ejection mechanisms and role of the intra-ventricular vortex in the LV were elucidated in detail during the pre-ejection transitional period (pre-ETP), the very short period preceding LV ejection.

The study included 10 healthy volunteers. Flow structure was analyzed using echo-dynamography, and LV wall dynamics were measured using both high-frame-rate two-dimensional echocardiography and a phase difference tracking method we developed.

A large accelerated vortex occurred at the central basal area of the LV during this period. The main flow axis velocity line of the LV showed a linearly increasing pattern. The slope of the velocity pattern reflected the deformity of the flow route induced by LV contraction during the pre-ETP. The centrifugal force of the vortex at its junction with the main outflow created a stepwise increase of about 50% of the ejection velocity.

Ejection of blood from the LV was accomplished by the extruding action of the ventricular wall and the centrifugal force of the accelerated vortex during this period. During ejection, acceralated outflow was considered to create a spiral flow in the aorta with help from the spherical structure of the Valsalva sinus.