The peri-operative use of the oesophageal Doppler monitor in patients undergoing coronary artery revascularisation - A comparison with the continuous cardiac output monitor

This study was carried out to evaluate the ease of use and reliability of cardiac output estimations performed by an oesophageal Doppler monitor and to compare its use with that of a continuous cardiac output pulmonary flotation catheter. Measurements were made during and after surgery in 16 patients scheduled to undergo coronary revascularisation. Both devices suffered significant intra-operative problems which led us to question their suitability as operating theatre monitors. After surgery the continuous cardiac output monitor provided stable results while the oesophageal Doppler monitor required the continuous presence of an experienced anaesthetist to ensure comparable cardiac output estimations.