Continuous hemodynamic monitoring, such as stroke volume and cardiac output, is normally performed using a pulmonary artery catheter. Yet, the very patients that are fragile enough to require such monitoring are often not the best candidates to handle such invasive devices. This has led to difficult choices having to be made on how to manage weak post-surgical patients who

can benefit from blood volume and flow monitoring.A new system from Edwards Lifesciences, just been cleared by the FDA, now offers advanced hemodynamic information, comparable to that provided by minimally invasive catheters, using only an inflatable finger cuff and finger heart reference sensor.

The technology has actually been used by astronauts to measure their blood pressure while in orbit. Here on planet Earth, the ClearSight system also provides stroke volume, stroke volume variation, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance. The hope is that the new system will allow many more ICU patients to be under close monitoring, leading to fewer surprises and proactive decision making by the clinical staff.

Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHI8t6PreOQ

Source:Edwards Lifesciences