A computerized system for monitoring systolic time intervals from esophageal accelerograms.

An automated microcomputer system for monitoring heart rate and systolic time intervals (STI)--preejection period (PEP), left ventricular ejection time (LVET), and PEP/LVET--was implemented. The system, employing esophageal accelerometry, is economical and simple to operate. Being light and compact, it is therefore portable. The accuracy and reliability are no less than considerably more costly systems. The set of systolic time intervals can be measured and output in 6 sec. The system offers the advantage of monitoring STI in a larger number of surgical patients than do traditional systems due to its esophageal transducer.