AIMTo introduce a new device and catheter to be determining cardiac output through cor sinistrum with thermodilution.

METHODSOwn control was introduced in eight dogs. A pulmonary thermodilution catheter was used through the cor dextrum of the dogs; The new-design catheter was used through artery, and there were two situs to fix:its ahead in left atrium and the ahead near to aortic root. Determine cardiac output (CO) under four circumstances: controlled respiration, apnoea, in controlled hypotension, after controlled hypotension.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference among the parameters (CO and cardiac index) of all circumstances. The CO determined by the pulmonary thermodilution catheter and those by the new-design catheter in two situs were positive correlation, and the gamma were 0.986, 0.989; likewise, the cardiac index (CI) was positive correlation, and the gamma were 0.983, 0.985. The CO and CI by the new-design catheter between two situs were positive, and the gamma were 0.992, 0.988.

CONCLUSIONThe parameters by the new-design catheter and those by the pulmonary thermodilution catheter were concordant. In comparison with the pulmonary thermodilution catheter, the new-design catheter had simple device and could be easily operated.