GE CARESCAPE, User Manual

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Cardiac output
4. Make necessary changes by selecting the Hemo , Oxy , or Vent tab and then Edit
Input .
5. You can return to the Cardiac Output menu by selecting C.O. or Previous Menu .
Adjusting the wedge from the cardiac output menu
The Wedge selection is available only when there is a confirmed C.O. measurement
and an invasive pressure channel has been labeled as PA .
1. Select the cardiac output parameter window.
2. Select the Measurement tab.
3. Select Wedge .
4. Adjust the wedge settings as required.
5. You can return to the cardiac output menu by selecting Previous Menu .
Stopping the cardiac output measurement
1. Remove the catheter from the patient.
2. Disconnect the probe patient cables.
C.O. practicalities
Cardiac output washout curve
The washout curve, which displays after a C.O. injection, shows the drop in blood
temperature as the injectate mixes with the blood. The peak of the curve indicates the
maximum difference in the patient’s baseline blood temperature and the temperature
of the injectate solution. As the mixture passes through the catheter and then out the
pulmonary artery, the temperature difference decreases as indicated by the curve
returning to the baseline. A spike is displayed at the onset of the curve, again at
70% of the maximum temperature difference, and again at 35% of the maximum
temperature difference. Spikes are also visible during an ongoing C.O. measurement.
1. Onset spike
2. 70% spike
3. 35% spike
Cardiac output is inversely proportional to the area under the thermodilution curve.
Cardiac output varies with body size. To more accurately assess cardiac performance
for individual patients, the cardiac index is often used.
How to improve the C.O. accuracy
The following influencing factors can influence the cardiac output accuracy:
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