Intrinsic indices of the left ventricle as a blood pump in normal and infarcted left ventricles.

To assess the left ventricle as a blood pump, data are collected from contrast angiograms and analysed by computer, using two-dimensional finite element analysis, to provide instantaneous distributions of intra-LV flow and differential pressure during the diastolic and ejection phases. Characteristic indices are derived for normal and infarcted LVs, and for cases before and after administration of nitroglycerin. These indices may be used to assess the degree and nature of dysfunction in coronary artery disease.