Impedance Cardiography
Technology Description
Impedance cardiography (ICG), also known as thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB), is a technology that converts changes in thoracic impedance to changes in volume over time. In this manner, it is used to track volumetric changes such as those occurring during the cardiac cycle. These measurements, which are gathered noninvasively and continuously, have become more sophisticated and more accurate with the development of data signal processing and improved mathematical algorithms.
This technology, originally used by NASA in the 1960's, has benefited from the advent of the microprocessor and the better understanding of the cardiac cycle, thanks to technology such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Today, noninvasive methods of measuring of cardiac output are coming into clinical use on a larger scale than ever before and are compared with other methods such as thermodilution and the direct and indirect Fick methods.
ICG System Parameters
ICG offers noninvasive, continuous, beat-by-beat measurements of:
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- Stroke Volume/Index (SV/SVI)
- Cardiac Output/Index (CO/CI)
- Systemic Vascular Resistance/Index (SVR/SVRI)
- Velocity Index (VI)
- Thoracic Fluid Content (TFC)
- Systolic Time Ratio (STR)
- Left Ventricular Ejection Time (LVET)
- Pre-Ejection Period (PEP)
- Left Cardiac Work/Index (LCW/LCWI)
- Heart Rate
- Stroke Volume/Index (SV/SVI)
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What is the risk
Impedance cardiography is quick and easy to apply and provides continuous noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring with virtually no risk to the patient.
For more information on impedance cardiography, please call the Cardiopulmonary Department at 270.251.4120.