Cardiac output measurement : evaluation of methods in ICU patients

Abstract

Accurate clinical assessment of the circulatory status is particular desirable in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and patients undergoing cardiac, thoracic, or vascular interventions. As the patient__s haemodynamic status may change rapidly, continuous monitoring of cardiac output will provide information allowing rapid adjustment of therapy. Aim of this thesis is an overview and evaluation with respect to less invasive cardiac output measurement and monitoring systems, especially the pulse contour technique. The introduction highlights historical and physiological aspects of cardiac output measurement and effect of respiratory changes on blood flow and pressure. Secondly it introduces methodological aspects of measurement, with attention to the reference method and analysis of agreement