Noninvasive Cardiac Output Amplifier for MRI

Description

The NICO100C-MRI Impedance Cardiography (ICG) Noninvasive Cardiac Output Module for Magnetic Resonance Imaging records specific parameters associated with cardiac output measurements. The NICO100C-MRI simultaneously measures impedance magnitude (Zo; labeled “Z”) and derivative (dZ/dt; labeled “DZ”) and incorporates special features to help improve measurements during EPI or other scanning sequence in fMRI or MRI. Features include optimized filtering and slew rate limiting for the Zo and dZ/dt signals.

Zo and dZ/dt are recorded at a stimulation frequency of 50 kHz. The module incorporates a precision high frequency current source, which injects a small (4 mA rms) sinusoidal measurement current through the thoracic volume defined by the placement of a set of current source electrodes. A separate set of monitoring electrodes measures the voltage developed across the thorax volume. Because the current is constant, the voltage measured is proportional to the impedance characteristics of the thorax.

The NICO100C-MRI requires the MECMRI-NICO filtered cable set and is used as part of a complete research system, interfacing with the MP200/MP200 data acquisition and analysis platform and AcqKnowledge software, allowing advanced analysis for multiple applications and supporting acquisition of a broad range of signals and measurements. AcqKnowledge includes automated tools for the automatic analysis of impedance cardiography (ICG), cardiac output and other hemodynamic parameters using noninvasive bioimpedance techniques. The software automatically scores the data and provides tabulated results in either a Journal file or Excel.

MRI Use: Conditional to 7T

Condition: NICO100C-MRI Amplifier stays in the Control Room and is used with the MEMRI-NICO filtered cable set and recommended MR leads/electrodes/transducers; tested to 7T.