Calculated left ventricular outflow tract diameter for critically ill patients

Abstract

Abstract A fast and reliable left ventricular outflow diameter (LVOTd) estimation may aid in quickly estimating cardiac output. However, obtaining a correct LVOTd can be difficult in intensive care patients, potentially leading to errors and a cardiac output deviation. In this study, the measured LVOTd was compared with the expected LVOTd when estimated using an existing formula in 1177 critically ill patients. We show that estimated LVOTd based on baseline data can aid when obtaining LVOTd is difficult or impossible and simplified estimation based on a formula may allow for more reliable and accessible measurement of cardiac output.

Keywords

• Prospective study
• Critical care ultrasound
• Cardiac output
• Left ventricular outflow tract
• Critical care
• Intensive care unit