Convenient Monitoring Of Cardiac Output and Global Left Ventricular Function by Transcutaneous Aortovelography — An Effective Alternative to Cardiac Output Measurements

Abstract

Undesirable consequences of depressed cardiac output and peripheral hypoxia are (a) increased sympathetic tone, with its arrhythmogenic effect, (b) byproducts of anaerobic metabolism, which further depress cardiac function and (c) slowing of venous and hence pulmonary thrombosis. Manipulation of cardiac output to keep it relatively high is feasible even after recent infarction.¹ This reduces morbidity and mortality, but cannot be safely employed without flow-orientated monitoring because of the unpredictability of individual response to interventions. Unless these involve volume expansion, success in raising cardiac output automatically leads to reduced pulmonary capillary pressure and alleviation of pulmonary oedema.