Cardiac Output Calculator (Fick Principle)

Assess cardiac function and shock states using Fick's method.

Input Parameters

Enter patient data to calculate cardiac output.

Clinical Context & Significance

The Fick Principle, proposed by Adolf Fick in 1870, is a foundational concept in hemodynamics. It states that the total uptake or release of a substance by an organ is equal to the product of the blood flow to that organ and the arteriovenous concentration difference of the substance.

The Formula

CO (L/min) = VO₂ / ([CaO₂ - CvO₂] × 10)

Where VO₂ is oxygen consumption and CaO₂ - CvO₂ is the arteriovenous oxygen content difference.

Clinical Implementation

While thermodilution is more common in current clinical practice, individual Fick measurements remain the "gold standard" when low-flow states or significant valvular regurgitation (e.g., tricuspid regurgitation) make thermodilution inaccurate.

Note: This calculator uses the DuBois formula for BSA and standard estimations for $VO_2$ if measured values are unavailable. Oxygen-related calculations use a constant of 1.34 mL/g for the oxygen-binding capacity of hemoglobin.

Medical Disclaimer

This application is intended for educational and reference purposes for qualified perfusionists and cardiac surgical professionals. The clinical information and calculations provided should not substitute for professional clinical judgment or institutional protocols. Always verify results with independent calculations and equipment. Perfi does not assume liability for clinical decisions made based on this software.