Noninvasive Cardiac Output Monitoring in Pulmonary Hypertension

Noninvasive Cardiac Output Monitoring in Pulmonary Hypertension

Comparison of Ultrasonic Cardiac Output Monitor (USCOM) system with Fick and thermodilution methods during right heart catheterization in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Inclusion criteria:

• Age > 18 years
• Diagnosis of Group 1 or Group 4 PAH based on PAPm > 25 mmHg, PAWP <15 mmHg, PVR >3 WU and consistent clinical history. Note: for logistical reasons, patients at high suspicion for Group 1 or Group 4 PAH will sign informed consent to have the USCOM system applied during right heart catheterization before the procedure; if it is found that the patient does not meet the definition of Group 1 or Group 4 PAH during right heart catheterization, he/she will be excluded.
• Willingness and ability to comply with study procedures.
• No known hypersensitivity to the components of USCOM electrodes

Exclusion criteria:

• Unwillingness to sign informed consent or inability or unwillingness to comply with study procedures
• Evidence of postcapillary pulmonary hypertension on right heart catheterization