Cardiac Output, Central Volume and Dye Injection Curves in Traumatic Arteriovenous Fistulas in Man

Abstract

Although arteriovenous fistulas are frequent in wartime, few measurements of cardiac output have been carried out by direct methods. Analysis of the curve obtained after rapid injection of T-1824 shows the feasibility of this method in patients with arteriovenous fistulas. Such patients have elevated cardiac indices, enlarged central blood volumes and acceleration of peak and manifest recirculation times. The abnormalities are corrected by surgery. Diagnostic use of the dye curve is suggested.