Minimally invasive cardiac output monitors

Abstract

Minimally invasive cardiac output monitors have varying degrees of 'invasiveness' with some being totally non-invasive and others only marginally less invasive than a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC). All minimally invasive cardiac output monitors have their own sources of potential error. Users of minimally invasive cardiac output monitors should be aware of their potential sources of error and clinical limitations. Most currently available minimally invasive cardiac output monitors compare well with the PAC in haemodynamically stable patients. Information regarding the impact of minimally invasive cardiac output monitors on clinical outcome is scarce.