Noninvasive Cardiac Output Measurement

In the group of devices for measuring cardiac output based on the impedance cardiography method, PhysioFlow® modules manufactured by the French Manatec company are distinguished by measurement accuracy, comparable to invasive methods. The patented SM-ICG™ technology provides high resistance to interference caused by patient movement, and a simple application provides results already after a few dozen seconds.

Until now, all PhysioFlow® applications required a connection to the computer. Now, thanks to the integration of the module with the ICARD L series monitor, a compact, portable and easy-to-use device was created. The possibility of continuous, long-term monitoring of hemodynamic parameters, intuitive operation and low operating costs make the offered monitor a highly useful tool, and the relatively low price makes it available to every medical care facility.


In addition to the parameters typical for patient monitors (heart rate, blood saturation, blood pressure and temperature), the device presents an impedance wave and a series of hemodynamic parameters:
  • CO - Cardiac Output
  • CI - Cardiac Index
  • SV - Stroke Volume
  • SI - Stroke Volume Index
  • SVR - Systemic Vascular Resistance
  • SVRi - Systemic Vascular Resistance Index
  • LCWi - Left Cardiac Work Index
  • EF - Ejection Fraction
  • CTI - Contractility Index
  • VET - Ventricular Ejection Time
  • EDFR - Early Diastolic Filling Ratio
  • TFI - Thoracic Fluid Index
Interpretation of the results is facilitated by the presented two-dimensional hemodynamic balance diagram - Hemodynamic Cross. The fields marked on the graph suggest a diagnosis, and the distance of the points drawn from the center of the graph increases with the deterioration of the patient's condition.

Using a monitor equipped with the PhysioFlow® module provides multiple clinical benefits:
  • CARDIOLOGY:
    • - Better and less expensive than Echo-Doppler for early diagnosis of hemodynamic imbalances, drug therapy follow up, and pacemaker optimization,
    • - Increases sensitivity of exercise tests and provides a direct measurement of the ventricular function
  • INTERNAL MEDICINE AND OBSTETRICS:
    • - Considerably refines evaluations and drug therapy guidance of hypertensive patients
    • - May provide an early detection of pre-eclampsia
  • PULMONOLOGY:
    • - Detects hemodynamic anomalies during exercise for better understanding complex lung diseases (COPD, pulmonary hypertension, etc.)
  • CRITICAL CARE:
    • - Leverages fast emergency diagnosis (shock) and triage
Compared to thermodilution and low-invasive methods, PhysioFlow® cardiac output measurements have a number of advantages:
  • - elimination of any risk to the health of the patient,
  • - operating costs many times lower - accessories below $3 for the examination,
  • - the possibility of using during exercise tests,
  • - saving personnel time - only a few dozen seconds to prepare the patient.

The safety of using the extended ICARD monitor and compliance with the requirements of Directives 93/42/EEC and 2007/47/EC have been confirmed by the extension of the EC certificate with cardiac output measurements.