Pilot evaluation of the clinical use of transcutaneous aortovelography has been undertaken and suggests that this technique will be useful in the assessment of left ventricular function in the acutely ill patient. Changes in waveform as a result of therapy or alteration in clinical condition can frequently be noted by critical visual assessment. Increasing clinical experience suggests that quantification will permit interpretation of less obvious changes in the recorded waveform. Transcutaneous aortovelography has the simplicity, speed, and safety afforded by a non-invasive technique.