The slowing of sinus rhythm during thermodilution cardiac output determination and the effect of altering injectate temperature

Abstract

Transient slowing of the sinus heart rate occurs frequently during injection of 10 ml iced thermodilution solution, and this response is most likely mediated by cold temperature. Since thermal determinations of cardiac output can be made accurately and reproducibly with room temperature as well as with iced injectates, our data would support the routine use of room temperature solutions.