A Method to Measure Regional Contributions to Total Cardiac Output in Man, With Observations on Laminar Flow in the Great Veins

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Abstract
The validity of a method designed to measure regional contributions to total cardiac output was investigated in 8 subjects. This method was based on the attainment of gradients of para-amlnohippuric acid (PAH) concn. in tributaries of the great veins, while maintaining a constant PAH level in the arterial blood. All the conditions required for the method were fulfilled with the one important exception, that incomplete mixing was established at certain key points in the great veins. This finding alone was sufficient to invalidate the method under the conditions set forth. Evidence was obtained suggesting laminar flow of renal vein blood in the inferior vena cava. Regurgitation of blood from the right auricle into the upper portion of the inferior vena cava was established in one of the subjects while in the supine position. Caudad regurgitation of renal vein blood i''n the inferior vena cava did not occur in this position. In 2 subjects, so studied, complete mixing of the caval blood streams was demonstrable in the right ventricle, j not in the right auricle.

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