Noninvasive Cardiac Output Monitoring

Less invasive cardiac output monitors have been developed as alternative to thermodilution-based cardiac output measurements from pulmonary artery catheters. These include Doppler-based methods, bioimpedance and bioreactance, pulse contour analysis, partial rebreathing, and pulse wave velocity. Currently available technologies differ in their underlying physical principles but also in their risks and accuracy of measurements. While less invasive devices are appealing for clinical use and have clinical utility, further studies are needed to determine their ability to positively impact meaningful patient outcomes.