Mechanical model of cardiovascular system determination of cardiac output by thermodilution method

This paper describes experimental implementation of the cardiac output determination. The measurement is realized on the mechanical model of the cardiovascular system (CVS), which has been developed for educational purposes. The CVS model is the system of tubes, the mechanical pump and many of hydraulic components. Inherently, it allows measuring the fluid-flow by several methods. This project is focused on determination of the cardiac output by the thermodilution. Correctness of the measured data is verified by using the accurate flowmeter which is implemented in the model. The aim of this project is to demonstrate means of the thermodilution cardiac output (CO) determination in the conventional way. This paper explains construction and function of the mechanical model of the CVS, structure of the measuring apparatus, data-processing and discussion about results.