Role of the arterial reservoir during assisted circulation in acute heart failure

: The role of "arterial reservoir" (AR) has been assessed experimentally in 20 mongrel dogs during the onset of acute heart failure (AHF) and in left ventricular bypass (LVB). The criteria evaluating AR function were as follows: diameter and volume of aorta filling (dA; VA), aortic wall distensibility (D). Va in the range of BPm 30.4 to 171 mm Hg changed from 12.62 to 49.32 ml, i.e. two-three-fold. D at maximum and minimum BRm values decreased by 10 and more times. A direct correlation between relative Va and da changes with a coefficient 2 has been observed in any aortic section. BPm (but not BPsy st or BPdia st which characterizes a degree of "tense" AR filling can serve as an adequate index of LVB efficacy.