Passport 12/Passport 8 Operator’s Manual 15-1
15 Monitoring Cardiac Output
15.1 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.
WARNING
C.O. monitoring is restricted to adult patients only.
15.2 Understanding the C.O. Display
The C.O. measurement is displayed on the monitor as numeric C.O., C.I. and TB in the C.O. parameter window as shown
below. To enter the [C.O. Setup] menu, select the C.O. parameter window.
1. Cardiac output
2. Time at which the C.O. average is calculated
3. Cardiac index
4. Blood temperature
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