Thermodilution cardiac output measurement in infants and small children following intracardiac surgery.

A modified catheter has been used in conjunction with a thermodilution cardiac output computer for postoperative assessment of cardiac function in infants and children. Because of the small amount of fluid required for each determination and the simplicity of the technique, serial measurements can be done safely. Its use has contributed to the early detection of low output states. It has also proven to be a useful tool for estimating the optimal heart rate in each patient and for assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic measures.