Abstract
The injection of indicators in the blood stream is used for several diagnostic measure
ments of the cardiovascular system functionality. An indicator is a non-toxic substance
that can be detected by a specific sensor. The detection often implies a contact between
indicator and sensor. As a result, the measurement is invasive, i.e. a catheter must be
inserted through the blood vessels in the measurement site. The invasiveness issue can
be overcome by means of contrast imaging techniques. Contrast agents are substances
that enhance the signal detected by specific imaging modalities. The measurement of
the contrast (or indicator) concentration versus time results in an indicator dilution
curve. Several hemodynamic models can be adopted for the curve interpretation and
for the estimation of the cardiovascular parameters of interest. This chapter provides an
overview on the indicator dilution theory and the clinical techniques that can be adopted
for the measurement of dilution curves. Both invasive and minimally invasive techniques
are discussed. Particular attention is dedicated to the use of medical imaging techniques
such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. These methods promise to open
new possibilities for minimally invasive cardiovascular diagnostics based on indicator
dilution.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Biomechanical Systems Technology : Cardiovascular Systems |
| Editors | C.T. Leondes |
| Place of Publication | London |
| Publisher | World Scientific |
| Pages | 89-155 |
| Number of pages | 67 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-971-270-982-0 |
| Publication status | Published - 2007 |