Differentiation of intramyocardial fluid pressure from fiber stress

Abstract

To characterize the complex force field generated in the ventricular myocardium, intramyocardial pressure (IMP) measurement is used as an indirect means of assessing the distribution of regional wall stress. To resolve the long term confusion associated with this measurement, IMP is divided into its two dominant components: intramyocardial fluid pressure (IFP) and intramyocardial fiber stress (IFS). The intramyocardial response to regional and global contractile function is examined in terms of changes in the magnitude and transmural gradient of IMP recording. The experimental results support the theoretical concept proposed where the hydraulic properties of the myocardium proved to have an influence on cardiac function. To gain a deeper understanding of myocardial function, cellular and subcellular components must be considered.