Noninvasive measurement of human right intraventricular blood velocity by an ultrasonic technique

A noninvasive ultrasonic technique has been designed to measure the hemodynamic variables associated with human right ventricular diastole. For convenience, diastole is divided into five phases: rapid filling, slow filling, early resting, atrial systole, and late resting phases. The technique measures the velocity with which blood enters the ventricule during each phase, and relates these measurements to ventricular wall motion. The technique has been evaluated by comparing the measurements with data derived from an alternative technique: forward angiocardiography taken during cardiac catheterization. In this procedure, blood containing dye can be followed through the ventricle by X-ray, and velocity measurements can be made from the cinefluoroscopic films. Cinefluoroscopy has also defined potential problems related to turbulence and heart motion. Ultrasonic and cardiac catheterization measurements agreed well. The ultrasonic equipment can be carried by hand from one room to another is inexpensive, and is readily available. This equipment can be used on the same subject repeatedly without discomfort or danger, and can be used during exercise.