| 20080281214 | Method for estimating cardiac pumping capacity - The present invention provides a system and a method for estimating changes in cardiac pumping capacity in response to an intervention from data recorded by an accelerometer positioned on an outer surface of the heart. Interventions such as intravenous administration of nitroprusside, betablocker, epinephrine (adrenaline), or changes in the intravascular volume such as by fluid filling, are considered. It is shown that it is possible to directly correlate changes in cardiac pumping capacity to changes in parameters or graphical representation derived from signals characteristic to the acceleration an outer surface of the heart. In particular, it is shown how the effect of the interventions can be directly read from these parameters or graphical representations, and can thereby assist in decisions regarding the treatment of a cardiac surgery patient. The invention is preferably used in a post-surgery monitoring unit for surveillance of cardiac surgery patients. | 11-13-2008 |
