Heart-Lung Interaction

heart-lung.org

- HEART-LUNG INTERACTION -

The two most prominent mechanical mediators of heart-lung interaction are changes in thoracic volume and intra-thoracic pressure. These are depicted on the Campbell Diagram laying into the page [on the x,z axes]. The Guyton Diagram remains on the x, y axes. Because the x-intercept of the cardiac function curve assumes intra-thoracic pressure, changes in intra-thoracic pressure are represented by parallel shifts in the cardiac function curve. The distending pressure or 'trans-mural' pressure of the right atrium is defined by the central venous pressure minus the intra-thoracic pressure.

A novel, graphical means of relating changes of thoracic volume and intra-thoracic pressure [as a function of pulmonary, chest wall and airway mechanics] to alterations in cardiac function and venous return.

- ABOUT -

- FORMAT -

The first 4 chapters will cover basic physiology and pathophysiology with an emphasis on the Campbell and Guyton Diagrams.

The remaining 4 chapters will focus on clinically-relevant topics in the intensive care unit; the discussions will be largely drawn from the physiology covered in the first half of the textbook.

- FRIENDS -

Please check out all of the exceptional content at:

pulmccm.org

I have begun a series of posts in conjunction with pulmccm.org which I affectionately call "ICU Physiology in 1000 Words."

Also:

clinicalcorrelations.org

EMCRIT

Critical Care Reviews

Intensive Care Network

thinkingcriticalcare

- CONTACT -

find jon-emile here

tweet in my general direction

Heart-lung.org will provide a comprehensive, on-line tutorial in cardiovascular and respiratory physiology for the interested medical student, resident and fellow.