The balloon-tipped thermodilution catheter. Aspects of its clinical utility

The balloon-tipped thermodilution catheter (BTTC) is an expensive, labor-intensive technology that has moderate risks. The sensitivity and specificity of the three principal tests that it can perform have not yet been well defined for different patient groups. The BTTC allows the acquisition of mixed venous blood, from which oxygen content can be measured precisely and accurately, imprecise but accurate cardiac output determinations, and fairly precise but inaccurate pressure measurements. Its effects on morbidity and mortality in certain sets of patients are beginning to be defined.