Determination of myocardial function with high spatial resolution in the regionally ischemic beating rabbit heart

Myocardial ischemia is generally a regional phenomenon, necessitating the measurement of regional function with high spatial resolution. Herein, the technique of computer aided speckle interferometry (CASI) is developed to measure myocardial function with high spatial resolution in the beating rabbit heart exposed to regional ischemia. Silicon carbide particles were applied to the surface of isolated rabbit hearts and a pressure transducer was inserted into the left ventricular cavity. CASI was used to determine displacement with a spatial resolution of 100 μm on the epicardial surface. From these data regional area stroke work was determined. Regional ischemia decreased regional area stroke work in all hearts. Decreases in regional work were more pronounced towards the center of the ischemic zone. In conclusion, CASI can be used to determine regional function in the heart with a spatial resolution of 100 μm. Furthermore, this technique is able to determine regions of dysfunction in the regionally ischemic beating rabbit heart.