Non-invasive measurement of cardiac output: Evaluation of new infrared absorption spectrometer

The mass spectrometer (MS) traditionally has been the instrument of choice for measuring cardiac output (Q˙T) non-invasively using the foreign gas uptake method. However, the size and cost of the MS has hampered widespread adoption of this technique outside of the laboratory. Here, we present results, from six normal human subjects at rest and during exercise, of simultaneous Q˙T measurements by an MS and a new, portable infrared (IR) device developed in our laboratories. These measurements are made using on the open-circuit acetylene uptake method. The IR device measures inspired and end-tidal concentrations of acetylene, sulfur hexafluoride, and carbon dioxide by IR absorption spectroscopy with a 10–90% response time of 43 ms; accurate measurements were made down to sample flow rates of 50 mL min−1. Excellent correlation [Q˙T (IR)=0.98Q˙T (MS), R2 = 0.94] was observed between instruments across the range from rest to heavy exercise. These results suggest that the IR device, which is small, light-weight, and rugged may enable the foreign gas uptake method to be used in clinical, field, and point-of-care settings for Q˙T measurement.