Three-dimensional transmural mechanical interaction between the coronary vasculature and passive myocardium in the dog

Abstract

The 'garden hose' effect of coronary perfusion on diastolic left ventricular (LV) mechanics has been proposed to cause changes in systolic function by altering diastolic sarcomere length. We measured transmural distributions of three-dimensional shape change using radiopaque markers implanted in the LV free wall of eight isolated arrested canine hearts as functions of coronary arterial perfusion pressure (Pp) and LV pressure (P(LV)) and related these deformations to the local muscle fiber architecture. Increased Pp from 0 to 110 mm Hg produced a 10% reduction in LV chamber volume (P