[Left ventricular contrast echocardiography using Gelifundol--assessment of hemodynamics, contractility and ECG]

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of left ventricular injections of an agitated oxypoly-gelatine solution (Gelifundol) on hemodynamic and contractility parameters in humans. In 19 patients, aged from 23 to 68 years, 53 left ventricular and 31 aortic injections were performed during routine left heart catheterization for suspected coronary artery disease. Within a period of 20 heart cycles, no significant changes in end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular pressure as well as in aortic pressure or left ventricular contractility (dP/dtmax, dP/dtmin) were observed. Except for three asymptomatic ST-segment changes, no side effects or changes in heart rate were detected.