[Dispersion pattern of saline indicator on canine left ventricle (author's transl)]

The cardiac output evaluation is usually realized through indicator dilution techniques and this principle was applied to ventricular volume measurements. However this approach has been criticized by several workers. Based on the recently developed association of indicator dilution method with intraventricular impedance recording to cardiac output determinations, the present investigation was designed to analize the dipersion pattern of saline solution within the ventricle. Three bipolar eletrodes were placed in different positions on the left ventricle in order to record the duration in seconds, for the saline to reach these positions. The detection of the saline was done through conductibility changes at the eletrodes ends. The results indicate a time duration smaller to the indicator dispersion than those of the diastole duration, simultaneously measured.