[Right ventricular function in occlusion of the right coronary artery]

Hemodynamic studies at rest and under volumetric loads were carried out in 10 dogs before and after the ligation of the right coronary artery with the closed pericardium. The ligation of the right coronary artery resulted in hemodynamic signs of depressed right-ventricular function: decreased systolic blood pressure and elevated end diastolic pressure, combined with the functional curve's downward shift to the right. Total cardiac performance (minute output and mean systemic flow pressure) was also reduced. It is suggested that depressed right-ventricular myocardial systolic function in infarction may be important for the development of the clinical low minute volume syndrome. Its pathophysiological mechanism and clinical implications are discussed.