What is the purpose of thermodilution in the clinical setting?

Thermodilution is a technique specifically used to evaluate cardiac output, which is a critical measurement in assessing the heart's efficiency and overall function. During thermodilution, a known amount of a cold indicator (usually saline) is injected into the bloodstream, and the change in temperature is measured downstream. This change reflects the volume of blood passing through the heart (cardiac output) because the dilution of the cold fluid is directly related to the blood volume.

Measuring cardiac output helps in managing various cardiovascular conditions, particularly in patients with heart failure, where understanding the dynamics of blood flow can guide treatment decisions, medication adjustments, and overall patient management strategies.

While heart rhythm irregularities, blood oxygen levels, and pulmonary function are important aspects of a patient's health, they are not assessed using thermodilution, making the evaluation of cardiac output the primary focus of this method.