Noninvasive pulsed Doppler determination of cardiac output in neonates and children.

Mean blood flow velocity (VAo) in the ascending aorta was measured noninvasively in 33 children, ages 3 days to 17 years, by pulsed Doppler technique at the time of cardiac catheterization. Measurements were made from a suprasternal approach with a portable, range-gated device. The ascending aortic diameter was determined echocardiographically and aortic cross sectional area calculated (A = pi d2/4 cm2). Aortic flow (QAo) was computed from Doppler recordings: QAo (ml/minute) = VAo (cm/second) X A (cm2) X 60 (second/minute). Values were compared with cardiac outputs determined according to the Fick principle, using measured oxygen consumption calculated oxygen capacity, and oxygen saturation. Subjects with aortic valve abnormalities or left ventricular outflow tract obstruction were excluded from study. Agreement between the two methods was excellent (linear regression r = 0.98, slope = 1.07, y-intercept = -4.5 ml, range 403 to 5.540 ml/minute). The Doppler technique is a quick, noninvasive, and accurate method of determining ascending aortic blood flow in neonates and children.