EDUBRIEFS in CCTC




Normal Right Ventricle Waveform
 

What are the characteristics of a Right Ventricle waveform?
  • there is no dicrotic notch
  • the RV systolic pressure equals the PA systolic pressure (during systole, the open pulmonary valve makes the two chambers "one")
  • the RV has a very low diastolic pressure, which is equal to the diastolic pressure of the right atrium (RA) (the RA and RV are one chamber during diastole when the tricuspid valve is open)
  • the rise in the RV waveform is simultaneous with the QRS and preceeds the mechanical systole (depolarization causes the pressure to rise; once the pressure in the RV exceeds the PA, the pulmonary valve opens and systole begins)
  • in sinus rhythm, a small pressure wave may be visible prior to the main pressure rise (in late diastole, atrial kick produces a small rise in the ventricular volume)
  • ventricular arrhythmias may occur if the tip of the catheter is in the RV

  • Note: 
    In a direct RV measurement, the rise in the RV pressure occurs simultaneous with the QRS.  This rise in pressure will appear farther away from the QRS in an RV pressure wave obtained from a pulmonary artery catheter because of the prolonged transmission distance between the catheter and the transducer.

     
    Show me a Right Ventricle Waveform.
    Brenda Morgan
    Clinical Educator, CCTC
    September, 1999
    Reviewd May 12, 2001
     

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    Last Updated March 31, 2009 | © 2007, LHSC, London Ontario Canada