Transthoracic electrical impedance variations in the hemodynamic evaluation of patients after open heart surgery

Adequate assessment of cardiac function in patients who have undergone open intracardiac operations requires determination of cardiac output. Electric impedance technique of determining cardiac output in intensive care unit is presented. Routine measurement of cardiac output in the immediate postoperative period has allowed important innovations in the care of the patients: a) preclinical diagnosis of low cardiac output and prophylactic treatment, b) artificial pacing at optimal rate, c) accurate assessment of the effectiveness of the treatment measures.