Method for measuring cardiac dimensions and intramural deformations

Information about the geometry and intramural deformations of the left ventricle of the heart throughout the cardiac cycle is necessary for the analysis of contractile function of the intact heart. In this study a method is developed to measure dimensions and intramural deformations of the left ventricle of a dog heart during the cardiac cycle. Radiopaque markers (platinum spheres of 1mm diameter) were implanted in the wall of the left ventricle. The spatial positions of these markers were determined from pairs of perpendicular X-ray projections, obtained with the aid of rotational X-ray equipment. Preliminary results of ventricular deformations are in agreement with measurements by other techniques.