[Aortic flow measurement by transesophageal Doppler effect].

Continuous measurement of cardiac output by thermodilution is invasive, impractical and unpleasant for the patient. We propose to measure descending aortic blood flow with a specially designed intra-oesophageal Doppler echo probe. The apparatus is composed of two main parts. First an A scan system makes possible the measurement of the diameter of the vessel, second a continuous wave velocimeter is used to measure the spatial mean velocity of the blood. An output calculator determines the descending aortic blood flow. The oesophageal catheter contains three ultrasonic transducers at its tip mounted on an epoxy resin bracket produced by moulding. They are connected to a flexible hose placed inside a flexible polyvinyl sheath whose outer diameter is 6.8 mm and length is 50 cm. A cylindrical latex balloon is mounted on this sheath which is water inflated to minimum pressure, ensuring a good ultrasonic coupling between the transducers and the oesophageal wall. Connection between the probe and the apparatus is made by three coaxial cables. Three isolator-transformers are built into the connector cable to ensure a safe electrical circuit. After having bled the probe of any air, the balloon is deflated. The probe is gently introduced into the oesophagus by nasal or oral route until the transducers are situated between the 5th and 6th vertebra. The balloon is then inflated to minimum pressure with 10 ml of distilled water contained in a syringe. To find the aorta, the velocimeter is first used like a Doppler stethoscope. The probe is rotated into a position corresponding to the maximum level of Doppler signal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)