Effects of changes in vascular tone on the agreement between pulse contour and transpulmonary thermodilution cardiac output measurements within an up to 6-hour calibration-free period*

Abstract

Our study in critically ill patients suggests that the agreement between pulse contour cardiac output and transpulmonary thermodilution cardiac output was not significantly influenced by changes in vascular tone. However, after a 1-hr calibration-free period, recalibration may be encouraged. Such a procedure provides helpful information drawn from other thermodilution-derived variables.