Mechanical aspects of cardiac performance

Abstract

Monitoring of hemodynamic and mechanical parameters of the heart are reviewed. Clinical methodologies are discussed along with tools used in a research setting. Specifically, these include: arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, mixed venous oxygen saturation, cardiac output, pressure-volume loops, flow monitoring, and Frank-Starling curves. These parameters are monitored using technology such as pressure transducers, Swan-Ganz catheters, thermodilution, sonomicrometry crystals, conductance catheters, ultrasound transducers, and loop recorders. © 2009 Humana Press.