Effect of preload on the transmural distribution of diastolic coronary blood flow

This study tests the hypothesis that ventricular geometry at low preloads (near empty ventricles) impairs diastolic regional coronary flow and, therefore, plays a role in production of myocardial ischemic injury observed after cardiopulmonary bypass and hypovolemic shock. There was no effect of preload on the left ventricular transmural distribution of diastolic coronary resistance. It is concluded that this is not the mechanism of myocardial injury in normal hearts.