Right ventricular volume measurement using the conductance catheter method: validation in excised porcine hearts

The conductance catheter method for measuring right ventricular (RV) volume changes was assessed in seven excised porcine hearts. A 5-FG conductance catheter was placed within a latex balloon and positioned in the RV cavity of seven freshly excised porcine hearts. Conductance was recorded while saline was withdrawn from the intraventricular balloon in 2 ml decrements. Linear regression analysis of measured conductance versus reference volumes was computed. The effect of left ventricular (LV) filling and catheter length on conductance derived RV volume was also determined. Conductance derived volumes were highly correlated with reference volumes [R 2 0.976, standard deviation (SD) 0.035]. The mean gradient of regression was 0.97 (SD 0.10), and it was not significantly affected by LV volume alterations. However, when we analyzed LV filling, a small but significant increase in the y-intercept was observed (LV empty 3.11 ml, SD 1.71; LV full 4.58, SD 2.39; p = 0.008). Introduction of the catheter through either the tricuspid or pulmonary orifices were both effective in ventricular volume measurement. The effect of mismatch between the catheter length and the RV long axis dimension was evaluated by changing the position of the active sensing electrodes along the catheter body. Conductance measurements, obtained from catheters shorter than the long axis of the RV, still maintained a highly linear correlation with real volume, but regression gradients were significantly reduced (long 0.975, SD 0.087; medium 0.787, SD 0.094; small 0.589, SD 0.091; p < 0.001). These results show that a conductance catheter of appropriate length can accurately measure RV volume, despite the complex shape and geometric changes associated with ventricular filling. ASAIO Journal 2002; 48:514-519.