Abstract
A computer-based system has been developed to continuously monitor cardiac output (CO). CO was calculated every 10 sec based on the Fick equation, using oxygen consumption by a gas exchange analyzer and arteriovenous oxygen difference by pulse (Biox-3740, Ohmeda) and fiberoptic (Opticath, Abbott) oximetry. Respiratory gas exchange was monitored by a multi-gas-monitor CAPNOMAC (DATEX) and by a SERVO 900C respirator. The overall accuracy of the system was estimated to be within 15%. There was a good correlation between CO by the Fick method and thermodilution: y=1.1x-0.24, r=0.95. The system provided virtually cotinuous hemodynamic analysis and facilitated more sophisticated circulatory control of the patient within a limited fluctuation.
