[Comparative evaluation of non-invasive methods of determining the minute blood volume]

Comparative value of minute flow volume measurement by radiocardiography, echocardiography, tetrapolar chest rheography and ultrasonic impulse doppler flowmetry was assessed in 30 individuals. Radiocardiography was often associated with overstated values and could not be used for minute volume monitoring. Tetrapolar chest rheography was also associated with overstated values in cases of left-ventricular insufficiency, and inadequately overstated values in 6% of normal subjects and understated values in 1%. Ultrasonic impulse doppler flowmetry was not possible in 8% of the cases because of poor echo. Ultrasonic impulse doppler flowmetry and echocardiography were found to be the most promising and clinically suitable procedures.