Monitoring of LV function in coronary care unit

We develop the new method of monitoring right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction by single probe and Kr-81m. Kr-81m is eliminated almost entirely by the lung without reaching the left ventricle. This makes possible monitoring RV ejection fraction without left heart activity and with low background activity. Kr-81m was injected serially as a bolus (2 - 3 ml) of 5 % glucose solution eluting a rubidium-krypton generator. RV ejection fraction was calculated from the first pass time-activity curve after correcting for background. RV ejection fraction by omniscope showed a good agreement with camera-RV ejection fraction. And simultaneous display of RV time-activity curve with ECG and phonocardiogram was done. The effect of sublingual nitroglycerin on RV ejection fraction by omniscope was also monitored. This new method is potentially useful in the coronary care unit and intensive care unit, where a rapid estimation of RV ejection fraction is needed. (author)