Time-Varying Elastance Concept Applied to the Relation of Carotid Arterial Flow Velocity and Ventricular Area

Abstract

In this study, the relationship V(f)AR, which was obtained from carotid blood-flow velocity (V(f)) and the cross-sectional area (A) of the left ventricle, was used to assess changes in left ventricular (LV) systolic performance as indicated by the LV pressure-volume relationship (PVR) and end-systolic LV elastance (E(es)). The relationship of maximum systolic V(f) as a surrogate for LV pressure and end-systolic LV area as a surrogate for end-systolic LV volume may allow for the estimation of LV elastance and ejection properties. In 25 pigs, internal carotid V(f) was recorded by using continuous-wave Doppler mode. Echocardiographic measurements of A were continuously performed with an automated border detection system and combined with data for V(f) to display V(f)AR as a series of loop diagrams. These were shifted during acute preload reduction, and an index E'(es) was calculated by applying the time varying elastance concept to end-systolic V(f)AR. Simultaneously, E(es) was acquired by conductance catheter and micromanometer techniques. Comparisons of E'(es) and E(es) were made at various contractility levels obtained by the administration of dobutamine, 5 microg/kg/min, and esmolol, 40 to 60 mg, and at various cardiac load levels, obtained by a fluid bolus infusion or administration of a vasoconstrictor. Highly linear elastance curves (r >or= 0.85, p < 0.0001) were derived from both end-systolic V(f)AR and PVR. Correlation of E'(es) and E(es) revealed an almost linear function: E'(es) = 0.052 + 0.11 E(es) (r = 0.98, p < 0.0001). Administration of dobutamine increased E(es) from 5.8 +/- 3.04 mmHg/mL to 10.1 +/- 4.19 mmHg/mL (p < 0.05), and E('es) from 0.68 +/- 0.288 cm(2)/min/mL to 1.24 +/- 0.458 cm(2)/min/mL (p < 0.05). After administration of esmolol, E(es) and E'(es) both dropped significantly by 3.7 +/- 2.4 mmHg/mL and 0.44 +/- 0.15 cm(2)/min/mL, respectively. No load dependency of E'(es) was seen. Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the change in E'(es), which is required to predict a significant change in E(es), should exceed +16.9% or -13.1% of the preceding value. Application of the time-varying elastance concept on the relation of V(f) and LV area allows for the determination of an index E'(es) that may be used to estimate E(es).