Experimental basis for total bypass of the right heart

pp 439-445

Abstract

To study the physiology of right heart bypass surgery, 10 mongrel dogs had their tricuspid valve sutured and afresh aortic homograft which included the aortic valve, was implanted between the right atria and the pulmonary artery. The main stem of the pulmonary artery was also ligated. Before and after surgery dogs were studied in sinus rythm and atrial fibrillation provoked by electrical stimulation. The cardiac output was mantained through an increase in right atrial pressure. Minor values were found during atrial fibrillation, probably due to a rise in left atrial pressure, which in time causes a reduction in the pressure gradient between atria.