LiDCO (Lithium Dilution Cardiac Output)

LiDCO, or Lithium Dilution Cardiac Output, is a medical technique used to measure how well the heart is pumping blood. A small amount of lithium is injected into a vein, and sensors detect how it disperses in the bloodstream. By analyzing this dispersion, doctors determine the volume of blood the heart pumps every minute (cardiac output). This method provides quick, accurate information about heart function, helping guide treatment decisions in critically ill or surgical patients. It's minimally invasive and useful for ongoing monitoring of cardiac health in medical settings.