STUDIES IN CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE XXII. A METHOD FOR OBTAINING “MIXED” VENOUS BLOOD BY ARTERIAL PUNCTURE

Abstract

The method of Burwell and Robinson for measuring the cardiac output of man has been modified. "Venous air" is obtained by repeated rebreathings. While the subject breathes such "venous air" arterial puncture is performed. When properly carried out this procedure allows one to obtain blood which has passed through the lungs unchanged. From analyses of such blood and of arterial blood, coupled with measurements of the O2 consumption, the cardiac output can be calculated.