Cardiac output measured by a new arterial pressure waveform analysis method without calibration compared with thermodilution after cardiac surgery.

Objectives: To investigate whether measuring cardiac output and its course after cardiac surgery by a new analysis technique of radial artery pressure waves, without need for calibration (FloTrac/Vigileo [FV]; Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA), conforms to the standard bolus thermodilution method via a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC).

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Intensive care unit of university hospital.

Attenuated renal and intestinal injury after use of a mini-cardiopulmonary bypass system.

Background: Transient, subclinical myocardial, renal, intestinal, and hepatic tissue injury and impaired homeostasis is detectable even in low-risk patients undergoing conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Small extracorporeal closed circuits with low priming volumes and optimized perfusion have been developed to reduce deleterious effects of CPB.

Methods: A prospective, randomized trial was conducted in 49 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery either with the use of a standard or mini-CPB system (Synergy).