Minimally Invasive Measurement of Cardiac Output during Surgery and Critical Care

Abstract

THERE is increasing interest in better hemodynamic management, incorporating cardiac output measurement, to achieve improvements in patient outcomes during major surgery.1–3 A number of methods and technologies are now available for minimally invasive or noninvasive cardiac output monitoring in the perioperative period. These include pulse contour and esophageal Doppler devices, the partial carbon dioxide rebreathing (Pco²RB) method, and transthoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB).3 However, these methods have not achieved widespread use in routine practice.4 The reasons for this include cost, of both the devices and their disposable components, invasiveness, and concerns about their accuracy, precision, and reproducibility.