[Absolute and relative volumes of the right ventricle normally and in pathological states measured by the dye...

In using the method of dye dilution improved by reflectometry by means of fibrooptic catheters the authors measured the volumes of the right ventricle in patients with hemodynamics close to normal, in patients with a tension load of the right ventricle, with a volumetric load, in decompensation and in pericarditis. The authors noted a constancy of the relative stroke volume in compensated work of the right ventricle (approximately 53%). They regard this index to be the criterion of normal pump function of the right ventricle. In deficiency of this function the relative stroke volume may be reduced by nearly half, to 28%.