Pulse contour method and apparatus for continuous assessment of a cardiovascular parameter

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A cardiovascular parameter such as cardiac output is estimated from a current pressure waveform data set without needing to directly measure blood flow or arterial compliance. The general shape of an input flow waveform over one beatto-beat cycle is assumed (or computed) and then the parameters of a flow-to-, pressure model if not pre-determined, are determined using system identification techniques. In one embodiment the parameters thus determined , are used to estimate a current peripheral resistance which is used not only , to compute an estimate of the cardiovascular parameter but also to adjust the , shape of the input flow waveform assumed during at least one subsequent beatto-beat …