Cardiac output monitoring

modalities

oesophageal doppler

measures flow time for a red cell across a pre-determined distance

LiDCO, etc.

pulse contour analysis - calculates area under the curve then uses it to predict CO (?)

anything that changes the shape of the arterial waveform will make it less accurate:

  • AF
  • damped trace

normal parameters

Parameter What it means Normal values Abnormal values
Stroke volume 60-100ml/beat
Cardiac index CO/BSA (body surface area) 2.5 - 4
Stroke volume variation quantifying the 'swing' with respiration = fluid status <10%
Flow time 300?