Download Dr. Stasic has an approved research study starting soon using a non

Dr. Stasic has an approved research study starting soon using a non-invasive cardiac output monitor – The Cheetah
NICOM. Drs. Collins, Shah, Egan, Hardacker, and Horn are also trained and listed on the study. The study seeks to enroll
50 patients age 18-30 years old having a surgical procedure here at Riley (or at University Hospital). The monitor uses
four electrodes placed on the torso (below). These can be place on the front or back or any combination. The basis
behind this technology is the use of time delay, or phase shifts, which occur when an alternating electrical current (AC)
is passed through the thorax.
These signals are then analyzed by the CHEETAH NICOM, which determines the stroke volume (SV), heart rate, cardiac
output (CO), stroke volume variation (SVV) and other hemodynamic information provided by CHEETAH NICOM. With the
CHEETAH NICOM, the user can accurately assess the true indicator of fluid responsiveness by challenging the heart via a
Passive Leg Raise (PLR) and comparing the response in SV to the baseline. PLRs consist of elevating a patient’s head 45
degrees and obtaining readings for 3 minutes (this is called the Baseline). After that 3 minutes, the patient’s position
will be changed to have the head flat and legs elevated 45 degrees for 3 minutes of readings (the “Challenge”). If patient
is fluid responsive, stroke volume index will increase by 10% or more as compared to baseline.
Baseline
Challenge
For the research study, patients will have two sets of PLRs performed (A PLR set includes both baseline and challenge).
The first may be done in pre-operative area or in the OR prior to anesthesia. The second set is to be done as soon as
possible after anesthesia induction. In order to achieve the proper 45 degree angle, Cheetah Medical has provided us
with inflatable pillows that can be placed under the patient’s head and then removed and placed under the patient’s
feet. We anticipate each set of PLR to take 10-15 minutes to perform and we will need the OR’s help and patience for
the success of the study. During the PLRs, patient should remain quiet and still to ensure consistent results.
Maintenance fluids, TED’s and SCDs should all be off. Because the study involves 18-30 year olds, positioning assistance
is likely needed for the post-induction PLRs.
It is our hope to be able to identify and contact these patients several days prior to the surgery to allow everyone a
“heads up” and to have the patient check in a few minutes earlier to allow time for the pre- anesthesia PLRs to occur in
pre-op in order to minimize the OR time spent on the study and to also ensure proper ‘in-room’ times.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Heather
[email protected]; office phone 944-4042