Principles of Measurement and Parameters
Page B-4
Operator’s Manual PiCCO
2
Version 3.1
2.3.2
EVLW
EVLW quantifies the extravascular fluid volume in the lungs. It is used to alert the clinician to the existence or
development of pulmonary edema. When measuring lung water the intra-alveolar, intracellular and interstitial
lung water are considered. However, a pleural effusion does not influence measurements.
Figure 3: Extravascular Lung Water (EVLW)
2.3.3
Additional Thermodilution Parameters
2.3.3.1
GEF:
GEF mainly depends on right and left ventricular contractility and can be used to detect right and/or left
ventricular dysfunction. GEF is derived from the ratio of four stroke volumes divided by Global End-
Diastolic Volume (GEDV).
Figure 4: Global Ejection Fraction (GEF)
2.3.3.2
CFI:
CFI represents the ratio between cardiac output and global end-diastolic volume (GEDV).
2.3.3.3
PVPI
PVPI shows the relationship between EVLW and PBV (Pulmonary Blood Volume) and can help to
distinguish between hydrostatic and permeability caused pulmonary edema.
