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Hemodynamics is defined as the
study behind the forces involved with blood circulation. Previously,
monitoring these forces presented a costly and invasive procedure,
but because of NASA funding and technology, cardiac patients
were given a non-invasive monitor that gives accurate data about
their hemodynamic status. CardioDynamics International Corporation
(CDIC), of San Diego, California has created the BioZ® System
through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award
from Johnson Space Center, providing patients and physicians
with a cost-effective and highly accurate monitoring system.
The BioZ non-invasive heart monitor
is based on a technology known as Impedance Cardiography (ICG).
BioZ provides the physician with vital information about the
heart's ability to deliver blood to the body, the force one's
heart exerts with each beat, and the amount of fluid in the chest.
Specially designed bioimpedance sensors placed on the neck and
chest monitor 12 different parameters, including cardiac output,
contractility, systemic vascular resistance, and thoracic fluid
content. These sensors monitor the electrical conductivity of
the body-information that is converted into blood flow data
and is displayed in real time on a monitoring screen.
Previously, the most effective
method for acquiring information about the mechanical functions
of the heart was through pulmonary artery catheterization, also
known as right-heart catheterization. However, this procedure
is invasive, risky, uncomfortable, and often requires a hospital
stay. Because of the non-invasive nature of BioZ, the same information
can, for the first time, be obtained in a physician's office,
as well as in a hospital setting.
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The
BioZ.com™ noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring system uses
Impedance Cardiography to calculate 12 hemodynamic parameters. |
Recently,
NASA used ICG as a means for studying the effects of hypergravity
on the cardiovascular system. Originally, ICG was used to monitor
the cardiac output of astronauts in space flight. At the time,
ICG worked well in healthy astronauts, but had technological
challenges to overcome in order to work for the ailing population
who needed it the most. CDIC made significant advancements including
the addition of its DISQTM (Digital Impedance Signal
Quantifier) technology and the Z MARCTM Algorithm,
increasing the accuracy and reproducibility of this technology.
The ICG technology continues to be used by NASA for space research
programs because of its ability to produce hemodynamic measurements
in an accurate and non-invasive manner.
BioZ.comTM and BioZ.pcTM
are two additional products that incorporate the same sensors
present in the original BioZ system. The mcom in BioZ.com stands
for cardiac output monitor. This fully integrated system is essentially
a smaller version of the BioZ, combining the same abilities with
a compact, lightweight design, while providing greater portability.
The BioZ.pc is a PC-based monitor and has been designed for Internet
integration. The information acquired from the sensors in the
BioZ.pc is then sent to an Internet database where it can be
easily accessed by medical professionals. CDIC is also anticipating
the development of BioZ.tel.TM which will allow for
hemodynamic monitoring in the patient's home. While this product
is not yet available, it will utilize the same base technology
and enable the patient to transmit the data to his or her physician
through a telephone line or e-mail. CDIC's ongoing effort to
reinvent the use of NASA technology has shown remarkable gains
in the field of cardiology and medicine. The BioZ ICG technology
has been clinically proven to improve patient prognoses and to
decrease costs. With its proprietary ICG technology, the company
is able to improve the way medicine is practiced around the world
and help the medical community battle the number one killer of
both men and women--cardiovascular disease.
BioZ® is a registered trademark
of CardioDynamics International Corporation.
BioZ.com,™ BioZ.pc,™ BioZ.tel,™ DISQ,™ and
Z MARC™ are trademarks of CardioDynamics International Corporation.
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A
doctor uses the BioZ.com™ technology to monitor a patient's
hemodynamic status in the comfort of an office rather than
a hospital. |
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