title: [A measuring device for calculating electrical impedance of the heart in clinical conditions].
abstract: Changes in the electrical impedance of tissue can indicate structural changes. This suggests a technique for the noninvasive detection of allograft rejection after heart transplantation. The direct electrical connection to the heart and the application of a measuring current to the myocardium requires a high standard of safety. A device was developed for measuring cardiac impedance using a sinusoidal current of 20 microA at a frequency of 15 kHz. The control logic ensures a slow current onset and also an immediate cessation in case of conductor fracture or excessive voltage. Initial results in patients with normal recovery after heart transplantation revealed a rapid drop in impedance to about 70% of the initial value in the 1st 48 hours and then a stable course. In the sole rejection episode observed so far, the impedance increased again to 85% of the initial value. This paper discusses the technical safety requirements and the design of the device, and presents initial results of clinical examinations.
authors.affiliation: Biotechnisches Labor 2. Chir. Univ.-Klinik, Wien, Osterreich.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schima
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Raderer
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wieselthaler
mesh_terms: D002307:Cardiography, Impedance / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation; D004566:Electrodes; D004867:Equipment Design; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000502:physiology*; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*
vernacular_title: Messgerät zur Erfassung der elektrischen Impedanz des Herzens in der klinischen Anwendung.