[Value and limitations of coronary blood flow measurement in man (author's transl)]

Attempts to measure coronary blood flow in man have made considerable progress during the last 25 years. The major techniques are based on the direct or indirect Fick principle; coronary flow is calculated from the arterio-coronary venous difference of inert gases or from the precordial recorded disappearance curve of radioactive gases or substances. The accuracy of the techniques depends upon the properties or the indicators used and the precision of their determination. All techniques applied hitherto are intricate and unsuitable for general use. -A lot of information is obtained about coronary circulation in health and disease by coronary flow measurements in man. Further studies in this field may influence pathophysiological and clinical concepts especially concerning coronary heart disease.