Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 68, Issue 4 1707-1716, Copyright © 1990 by American Physiological Society
Right ventricular function and three-dimensional modeling using computer-aided design
F. G. Spinale, B. A. Carabello and F. A. Crawford Jr
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425.
Right ventricular (RV) volumetric and morphological analysis is complicated
by the trabeculations and geometric configuration of the RV chamber. To
improve RV analysis, custom computer-aided design programs were employed to
obtain RV volumes and three-dimensional models from biplane
ventriculograms. Biplane RV ventriculograms were analyzed from 14
anesthetized dogs and 22 RV casts. Computed volumes were highly correlated
with reference RV volumes (r = 0.98, n = 36, P less than 0.01) with a range
of 5-73 ml. Three-dimensional wire-frame and solid models constructed from
the ventriculographic images provided excellent detail and a new
perspective in chamber shape. This modeling technique was then used to
examine RV volumes, geometric conformation, and regional shortening in 10
pigs during inotropic stimulation and preload reduction. Changes in RV
volumes, ejection fraction, and regional motion were detected as well as
alterations in chamber conformation. In summary 1) computer-aided design
offers an accurate and simplified means to compute RV volumes using basic
microcomputer equipment, and 2) three-dimensional reconstruction provided a
unique view of RV geometry and a means to examine regional RV function.
