Accurate and Continuous Measurement of Cardiac Output

This project will develop a catheter and associated instrumentation for the continuous measurementoutput using the thermodilution technique. Our system will heat the blood directly using either highNd:YAG lasers or microwave energy. Similar to other thermodilution methods, the heater will be locatand will apply energy to the blood to cause heating. A thermistor located at the end of the catheterwill measure the resulting temperature rise of the blood and use that measure to predict cardiac outnot use bolus injections of saline, it will avoid fluid overload of the blood system. It will measuraccurately than thermodilution catheters that use resistive heaters to heat the blood because directthan six times the energy into the blood than a resistive heater. The final system and catheter willmeasuring cardiac output up to 10 times per minute with greater than 95% accuracy. The measurement pcompletely automated, making routine application of this technique possible. This accuracy and measuwill be achieved while reducing the risk of complications that can result from competing techniques,spontaneous blood clotting resulting from overheating.