Measurement of peak systolic elastance in intact canine circulation with servo pump

Peak systolic elastance (Emax) was measured in the intact canine circulation by means of a new experimental technique. In this technique the heart is isolated from the circulation during a single systole and subjected to controlled ventricular loads. An electropneumatic aortic occluder is used to isolate the ventricle, and a servo-controlled syringe pump is used to control the ventricular load. Because the experimental load is applied for a single heartbeat only, ventricular function can be measured without the interference of regulatory feedback mechanisms. In eight dogs, weighing 17-42 kg, the relationship between changes in endsystolic pressure and volume was determined from the single-beat application of purely compliant loads. The end-systolic relations were linear, and their slope, Emax, was inversely related to weight. The observed relation between Emax and body weight allows comparisons to be made between different preparations in which Emax has been determined. Values of Emax obtained from the single-beat preparation were found to be 27-74% above those reported in isolated heart preparations and nearly identical to those reported for in vivo or denervated in situ preparations.