Nakata-index and lung perfusion
The median Nakata-indices (n=22), indicating the relative size of the
pulmonary arteries were 143 (range 49-345) before and 190 (range 49-401)
mm2/BSA after unifocalization (p=0,097). The normal
value of this PA-index is 330 mm2/BSA [9].
From 30 patients we obtained detailed information about their lung
perfusion by studying there cardiac catheterization images before and
after their unifocalization procedure(s). The total lung perfusion was
99% before and 97% after unifocalization. Lung perfusion through the
confluent pulmonary artery was 52% before and 89% after
unifocalization. Although there seems to be an increase in perfusion
through the confluent pulmonary artery, this difference was not
significant probably due to the small groups.