1. What is Pulmonary Flow?

Pulmonary flow refers to the volume of blood flowing through the pulmonary circulation per unit time. It is a crucial parameter in assessing cardiac output and pulmonary hemodynamics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Pulmonary Flow equation:

Where:

• \( VTI \) — Velocity Time Integral (cm)
• \( Area \) — Cross-sectional area (cm²)
• \( HR \) — Heart Rate (bpm)

Explanation: The equation calculates pulmonary blood flow by integrating velocity over time and multiplying by the cross-sectional area of the vessel and heart rate.

3. Importance of Pulmonary Flow Calculation

Details: Accurate pulmonary flow measurement is essential for evaluating right ventricular function, diagnosing pulmonary hypertension, and monitoring patients with congenital heart diseases.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter VTI in cm, Area in cm², and HR in bpm. All values must be valid (greater than 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is VTI in echocardiography?
A: Velocity Time Integral (VTI) represents the distance blood travels during one cardiac cycle, measured in centimeters.

Q2: How is cross-sectional area determined?
A: Cross-sectional area is typically calculated from the diameter of the pulmonary artery using the formula: Area = π × (diameter/2)².

Q3: What are normal pulmonary flow values?
A: Normal pulmonary flow ranges between 4-8 L/min in adults, but varies based on body size and cardiac output.

Q4: When is pulmonary flow measurement most useful?
A: It's particularly valuable in assessing patients with suspected shunt lesions, pulmonary stenosis, or right heart failure.

Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: Accuracy depends on precise measurement of VTI and area. Assumes laminar flow and may be less accurate in turbulent flow conditions.