conductance catheter
A specialized catheter that measures real-time ventricular volume and pressure using electrical conductance principles.
Full Definition
A conductance catheter is an advanced hemodynamic monitoring device that measures instantaneous ventricular volume and pressure simultaneously using the principle that blood conductance is proportional to ventricular volume. The catheter contains multiple electrodes that generate electrical fields and measure conductance changes throughout the cardiac cycle. This technology allows for real-time assessment of pressure-volume loops, providing detailed information about ventricular function, contractility, and loading conditions. Conductance catheters are primarily used in research settings and advanced hemodynamic studies.
Usage
Usage note: Primarily used in research contexts; rare in routine clinical practice.
In Context
- "The conductance catheter revealed impaired ventricular relaxation with elevated end-diastolic pressures." — Research protocol
- "Pressure-volume loops obtained via conductance catheter provide load-independent measures of contractility." — Scientific publication