Name of the Procedure:

Bioimpedance-derived physiologic cardiovascular analysis (Bioreactance Cardiac Output Monitoring, Electrical Cardiometry)

Summary

Bioimpedance-derived physiologic cardiovascular analysis is a non-invasive test that measures the electrical conductance of the body's tissues to estimate cardiac output and other cardiovascular parameters. This procedure helps doctors assess heart function and fluid status without needing invasive catheters.

Purpose

The procedure is used to evaluate:

• Heart function and efficiency.
• Circulatory system status. The goals are to identify cardiovascular issues, manage heart failure, optimize fluid management, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments.

Indications

• Symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling suggesting heart failure.
• Conditions such as hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, or other heart diseases.
• Pre- and post-operative cardiac assessment.
• Monitoring in critically ill patients.

Preparation

• No specific preparation is typically required.
• Patients are usually advised to avoid heavy meals and caffeine for a few hours before the test.
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended.
• Certain medications might need adjustment as advised by the healthcare provider.

Procedure Description

1. Placement of Electrodes: Small adhesive electrodes are placed on the patient's chest, neck, and back.
2. Connection to Device: Electrodes are connected to a bioimpedance device.
3. Measurement: The device sends low-level electrical currents through the body, and sensors measure the resulting impedance changes.
4. Data Collection: The device calculates cardiac output and other parameters based on the impedance measurements.
5. Analysis: Data is displayed and analyzed by the healthcare provider to assess cardiovascular status.

No anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Setting

The procedure can be performed in:

• Outpatient clinics.
• Hospital rooms.
• Intensive care units (ICUs).

Personnel

• Trained technicians to place electrodes and operate the device.
• Physicians to interpret the results.
• Nurses may assist in the process.

Risks and Complications

• Very low-risk procedure as it is non-invasive.
• Rarely, mild skin irritation from adhesive electrodes may occur.

Benefits

• Provides real-time, continuous cardiovascular monitoring.
• Helps in early detection and management of cardiac issues.
• Non-invasive nature reduces the risk of infections and complications associated with invasive procedures.
• Results are immediate, aiding in quick clinical decision-making.

Recovery

• No specific recovery time needed.
• Patients can resume normal activities immediately post-procedure.
• Follow-up appointments depend on the underlying medical condition and treatment plan.

Alternatives

• Invasive hemodynamic monitoring (like pulmonary artery catheterization) offers more detailed data but comes with higher risks.
• Echocardiography is another non-invasive method but may not be as effective for real-time continuous monitoring.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Invasive Monitoring: More accurate, higher risk of complications.
  • Echocardiography: Non-invasive, may not continuously monitor over extended periods.

Patient Experience

• The patient may feel slight pressure when electrodes are placed but should not feel any pain.
• Comfortable environment usually maintained to ensure patient relaxation.
• The patient may feel slight warmth from the device; otherwise, the process is typically painless.