Two-dimensional echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular function during left heart bypass.

Right ventricular (RV) function in terms of hemodynamics and RV wall motion was studied in 14 mongrel dogs during left heart bypass (LHB) using a centrifugal blood pump. The wall motion was analyzed by two-dimensional echocardiography (2D-echo). Incremental changes in LHB flow ratios of 0% (controls), 25%, 50%, 75% and a maximum 85-100% were accompanied by decrements of segmental shortening of the interventricular septum (IVS) by 54 +/- 12%, 43 +/- 5%, 42 +/- 2%, 35 +/- 0% and 0%, respectively. In addition to akinesis of the IVS during maximum flow, a specific part of the RV free wall adjacent to the IVS also had marked depression of contractions and overall RV contraction was nearly dependent on the RV free wall opposite to the IVS. Maximum LHB flow induced complete depression of the left ventricular cavity, a marked increase in RV volume, and depression of the RV ejection fraction on 2D-echo. Excessive or prolonged LHB reduces the RV wall motion capability and may lead to right heart failure. Our results suggest that an LHB ratio of about 75% is optimum to maintain normal cardiac function, particularly that of the right heart.