Click on image to view larger version.

Figure 3 Effects of an early preload increase in the failing heart after cardiac support device (CSD) implantation. (A) Example of pressure–volume relations before and after infusion of 400 ml of dextran. (B) Summary of hemodyanmic variables in relation to incremental volume expansion. For a near 10 mm Hg rise in end-diastolic pressure (EDP), cardiac output (CO) rose by nearly 100%, and there were significant changes in both the maximal and minimal rates of pressure change. Thus, preload-dependent reserve function was not inhibited by CSD placement. dP/dt_mx and dP/dt_mn = rate of rise in left ventricular pressure, maximal and minimal, respectively. *p < 0.05 versus baseline, e.g. 0 volume expansion.