Preparation for repeated study of left ventricular function in the conscious dog.

A method is presented for a relatively simple nontraumatic chronic left heart catheter preparation for the study of left ventricular hemodynamics in the conscious dog. In 30 dogs an 8 Fr Cordis catheter was modified and implanted into the left ventricle via the right atrial septum. Transseptal catheterization was performed without significant morbidity and mortality. Left ventricular cineangiograms and pressures and cardiac outputs have been repeatedly performed on fully conscious dogs with no apparent discomfort displayed by the dog.