Hemodynamics Measurements
The method was described in our previous published
study.21,22 Briefly, a PE-50 catheter
(Beckton-Dickinson, Sparks, MD, USA) was inserted into the femoral
artery using a cut-down procedure for recording pressure. Thereafter, a
left parasternal thoracotomy was performed. Another catheter was
inserted closely to the main pulmonary artery via the right ventricular
outflow tract. Pulmonary and femoral arterial pressures were recorded
simultaneously.