Measurement of instantaneous viscoelastic properties by impedance-frequency curve of the ventricle.

We developed a method for estimating the instantaneous viscoelastic properties of the left ventricle (LV). This impedance-curve method is based on the instantaneous impedance-frequency curve of the left ventricle generated by a rapidly oscillating mechanical impulse applied to the epicardial surface of the heart. The theoretical basis of the method and experimentally obtained instantaneous impedance-frequency curves were examined to evaluate the validity of our basic assumptions. Using these impedance-curve data, we calculated the instantaneous viscoelastic properties of the LV during the cardiac cycle. The impedance curve shows a configuration that is almost the same as the theoretical curve based on the assumption that an RCL (R, resistor; C, capacitor; L, inductor) parallel circuit is the electrical analog for the LV. The impedance curve varied moment by moment during the development of instantaneous LV pressure. The elastic and viscous coefficients, calculated from the impedance curve, increased with increase of LV pressure. We concluded that the impedance-curve method can delineate the instantaneous viscoelastic properties of the ventricle (especially of the ventricular myocardium).