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.