title: Indicator-dilution dispersion models and cardiac output computing methods.
abstract: The general theory of indicator-dilution methods provides a basis for computing improved cardiac output estimates. Interpretation is via indicator-dispersion modeling with Brownian motion of drifting particles. Detected curves indicate the distribution of passage times from the injection site: the local density random walk (LDRW) function of a Wiener process. Fitting the LDRW to 70 dye curves by nonlinear regression for examples, I show how all possible undistorted curves can, in principle, be simulated. I show via semilogarithmic plots that conventional exponential decay constructs systematically underestimate cardiac output by up to 8%. To help reconcile the predictions of LDRW-fitted dilution curves and contemporary practice, I show how curve-shape asymmetry (skewness) dramatically affects the enclosed areas. Mean transit times may overestimate blood volumes by 15-100% in very skewed thermodilution curves if the dispersion effects are overlooked. Triangle constructions, which accounted for hundreds of experimental findings, also have theoretical explanations. Curve-fitting methods reduce the extrapolation biases inherent in many computers and in any respiration-induced artifacts. Compatibility of cardiac output predictions from various dilution methods and modules becomes feasible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthetics, University of Bristol, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Millard
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D001831:Body Temperature; D002302:Cardiac Output; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D015233:Models, Statistical; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011897:Random Allocation; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012119:Respiration; D013997:Time Factors