Early and easy to do detection of left ventricular (LV) failure is crucial to improve following and outcomes of patients with right ventricular (RV) overload in congenital heart diseases. Electrical cardiometry (Osypka medical) is easy handling, even in medical office or in pre-hospital condition, and can provide cardiac output, and a new contractility index (ICON) supposed to be independent from load conditions. ICON have never been previoulsy challenged to our knowledge.

We aim to compare ICON with the only contractility parameter independent from load conditions: the elastance slope (Emax).

Using porcine models of Fallot repaired and pulmonary hypertension (PH), we assess LV function using conductance catheter and electrical cardiometry devices over 4 months after surgery. We measured ICON, Emax, Contractile reserve (ΔE_max) and VIC (respiratory variations of ICON) at basal state and after adrenergic stimulation (Dobutamine).

Three animals of each group were compared with 6 controls. Non parametric correlation (spearman) hightlights at basal state a non significant and low correlation between ICON and Emax and ΔEmax (r=0.5). However after Dobutamine, correlation is important and strong with r=0.98 between ICON/Emax (0.05) and 0.89 between VIC/Emax. We did not find strong correlation between ΔEmax and VIC or ΔICON.

These results obtain on a small in vivo/animal cohort highlight than electrical cardiometry device could be a usefull and easy handling (4 skin patchs) tool for LV failure and loss of contractility early screening, specially after adrenergic stimulation and stress conditions. It could provide precious help in patients following.