Ultrasound determination of left ventricular position for volume angiography.

The reliability of angiographically determined left ventricular (LV) volume is in part dependent upon the accuracy of the determination of the position of the left ventricular (LV) chamber in rehtion to the x-ray image intensifier. A new device is described which utilizes available ultrasound techniques and equipment to ascertain readily the height of the LV above the table top with the patient lying in the right anterior oblique position. Comparison of cross-table radiography with the ultrasound method was carried out. In addition, multiple external body dimensions were obtained which did not consistently predict LV position. The height of the LV above the table top can be obtained readily by the ultrasound technique described and requires minimal expertise for its accurate measurement.