Utility of a non-invasive doppler during pre-operative assessment
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Stroke Volume measurement during Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing: a single centre observational study of a Suprasternal Doppler device (USCOM) in the pre-operative assessment of high risk surgical patients.
IRAS ID
109621
Contact name
Howard Wakeling
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
WSHT
Research summary
Cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is widely used in pre-operative assessment for patients undergoing major surgery. CPET gives an indication of a number of key cardio-physiological (heart and lung) parameters that can help identify a patients potential fitness for surgery and the level of care they need to ensure optimal peri-operative management.
Oesophageal doppler monitoring is recommended nationally by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) during major surgery. Due to discomfort this device is not suitable in awake patients. A non-invasive doppler device - USCOM - is a relatively new development that allows measurement of heart function in the awake patient. The device gives measurements of the pumping heart by being simply placed on the skin at the top of the breast bone.
By using the USCOM device before and after CPET we hope to gain further information about our patients cardiac functioning prior to undergoing surgery. We will also be able to see how the device compares with the usual information gained from the patient performing CPET. Subsequently we hope to see whether the readings gained from the device may help to predict adverse outcomes when the patient goes on to have their surgery.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0435
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion