Some observations on the hepatic venous pulsation in the anesthetized dog.

Since direct evidence of transmission of propagated waves into the hepatic veins (liver pulse) has been lacking, pressure pulses were recorded in the hepatic vein of the anesthetized dog. A constant presystolic positive wave, amplified by venous congestion and pulmonic compression, is demonstrated and shown to be transmitted from the atrium. During tricuspid insufficiency, a second transmitted positive wave is inscribed late in ventricular systole.