Abstract
Summary
It has been found that the reference level or heart level for the measurement of venous pressure is an axis which runs transversely through the thorax at the point of junction of a plane passing cross-sectionally through the fourth intercostal space adjacent to the sternum with a frontal plane passing midway between the posterior surface of the body and the base of the xiphoid process of the sternum. Horizontal planes passing through this axis are the reference levels or heart levels to be used for that particular position of the patient. It is proposed to call the axis the phlebostatic axis and the horizontal planes passing through the axis the phlebostatic level.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.