A Refined Thermodilution Cardiac Output Catheter

摘要

A quantitative method for rapid repeated measurements of the right ventricular minute and stroke volumes is described. Based on thermodilution principles, a special cardiac catheter with an upstream heating coil and a downstream resistance thermometer is utilized to measure these parameters. Several new refined features were introduced into the present model of the catheter. These included: (a) the use of a plastic coating which provides optimal durability, flexibility, and resistance to heat; (b) bifilar winding the heating coil; (c) a refined pattern of winding the sensing element wire. (Author)