12-1
12 Monitoring Cardiac Output
12.1 Introduction
The cardiac output (C.O.) measurement invasively measures cardiac output and other
hemodynamic parameters using the right heart (atria) thermodilution method. A cold
solution of known volume and temperature is injected into the right atrium through the
proximal port of a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter. The cold solution mixes with the blood
in the right ventricle and the change in blood temperature is measured with a thermistor at
the distal end of the catheter in the pulmonary artery. The temperature change is displayed
as a curve in the C.O. split screen, and the monitor calculates the C.O. value from this curve.
The C.O. value is inversely proportional to the area under the curve. As cardiac output
varies continuously, a series of measurements must be carried out to achieve a reliable C.O.
average value. Always use the average of multiple thermodilution measurements for therapy
decisions. The monitor is capable of storing 6 measurements.
Setup key
C.O. start key
Connector for C.O. cable
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