12 Monitoring Cardiac Output
201
For a trial to be eligible for calibration, the pressure signal must be continuously available and
undisturbed starting 30 seconds before the first C.O. measurement of the series. Do not zero the
pressure measurement, change the pressure label, or disturb the pressure signal in any other way during
this time.
Measuring C.O. Using the Right Heart
Thermodilution Method
In the right heart thermodilution method, a fluid of known volume and temperature is injected into the
right atrium through the proximal port of a pulmonary artery (PA) (Swan-Ganz) catheter. The injectate
bolus 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.
Cal A pressure signal for CCO was available during the measurement (valid for
calibration)
?Cal A disturbed pressure signal for CCO was available during the measurement (valid for
calibration)
N/A No adequate pressure signal for CCO was available during the measurement (no valid
calibration data)
Exp This trial is more than 15 minutes older than the most recent trial and has expired for
CCO calibration (no valid calibration data)