Measuring Cardiac Output and Stroke Volume Using the Physioflow Impedance Device in Pregnant Patients

Pregnant patients having a cesarean section (CS) under spinal anesthesia experience a variety of hemodynamic changes, such as hypotension due to decreases in cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV) and/or systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Measurement of these hemodynamic parameters classically requires insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) into the heart. However, this invasive method carries significant complications and its use is now reserved for the more critically ill patients. We hypothesize that the Physioflow Impedance device can be used as a reliable non-invasive monitor to measure hemodynamic parameters during elective CS under spinal anesthesia.