Seven closed-chest dogs were anesthetized with intramuscular Innovar and a N20/02 gas mixture. Maximal coronary vasodilatation was induced by intra-aortic injection of nitroglycerin (200 ,ug/kg) 157-163, 1986. IT HAS BEEN reported that extent of depression of cardiac function in patients with myocardial infarction relates to the amount of myocardium that is infarcted. 1 2 Therefore, it might be important to estimate the volume ofjeopardized myocardium before myocardial infarction occurs.The primary aim of this study was to evaluate how accurately estimates in vivo of regional myocardial volume perfused by a selected coronary artery could be made. For this purpose we used the multiple x-ray tube, high-speed computed tomographic scanner known as the dynamic spatial reconstructor (DSR).3 The secondary aim of this study was to establish whether or not there was a predictable relationship between the regional myocardial volume perfused and the cross-sectional area of the maximally dilated coronary arterial branch that perfuses the volume. For these studies we used closed-chest anesthetized dogs. Methods Preliminary study to establish drug infusion regimen to achieve maximum dilatation of epicardial and intramyocardial coronary arteries. Maximum dilatation of the coronary circulation was desired so as to reduce variability of vessel cross sections due to uncontrolled vasospasm and to enhance the delivery of radiopaque medium to the myocardium.Mongrel dogs were anesthetized with Innovar (fentanyl and droperidol) and a 2:1 N20/02 gas mixture and the airway of each was intubated for controlled respiration with an artificial respirator (Harvard App. model 607