Multi-channel electrical bioimpedance: a non-invasive method to simultaneously measure cardiac output and individual arterial limb flow in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Background: Cardiac output is the fundamental determinant of peripheral blood flow however; optimal regional tissue perfusion is ultimately dependant on the integrity of the arterial conduits that transport flow. A complete understanding of tissue perfusion requires knowledge of both cardiac and peripheral blood flow. Existing noninvasive devices do not simultaneously assess the cardiac and peripheral circulations.

Multi-channel electrical bioimpedance: a new noninvasive method to simultaneously measure cardiac and peripheral blood flow.

Objectives: We sought to assess the ability of a new multi-channel electrical bioimpedance (MEB) methodology to accurately measure both cardiac blood flow and peripheral limb blood flow.

Background: Cardiac output is the primary determinant of peripheral blood flow; however, optimal regional tissue perfusion is ultimately dependent on the patency of the arterial conduits that transport that flow. A complete understanding of regional tissue perfusion requires knowledge of both cardiac and peripheral blood flow.