Normal Flow Pattern in the Superior Vena Cava in Man During Thoracotomy

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Abstract
In 17 patients with normal hearts undergoing thoracotomy for right-sided pulmonary diseases, a flow pattern in the superior vena cava was traced. Four parameters were recorded simultaneously: pressures in the right atrium and the right ventricle, ECG, and instantaneous volume flow in the superior caval vein. In 3 of the patients arrhythmias occurred, and in 1 patient the tracings were technically unsuccessful. In the remaining 13 patients a typical pulsatile, phasic flow pattern was obtained, similar to the pattern previously recorded in dogs. The theories about the active role of the heart on venous return to the right heart are briefly reviewed, and a more up-to-date view is presented.