Comparing echocardiography and Cheetah NICOM for measuring stroke volume in adults with shock

Assessment of Stroke Volume in Shock Using Echocardiography Versus Bioreactive Impedance

University of Nevada, Las Vegas · NCT07020637

This study will test whether stroke volume measured by bedside ultrasound (transthoracic echocardiography) matches measurements from the Cheetah NICOM device in adults with shock.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas (other)
Locations1 site (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Trial IDNCT07020637 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

In this prospective observational protocol, adults admitted to the ICU with clinical signs of shock will have stroke volume measured by transthoracic echocardiography and by bioreactance-based Cheetah NICOM. Measurements will be recorded before and after a passive leg raising maneuver to capture both absolute values and directional changes. No therapeutic interventions are mandated by the protocol and all clinical care decisions remain with the treating team. The primary analysis will compare agreement between the two methods for absolute stroke volume and for predicting increases or decreases after passive leg raising.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) admitted to the ICU within 24 hours with a clinical diagnosis of shock who can provide informed consent or have a legally authorized representative are eligible.

Not a fit: Patients with severe aortic valve disease or dynamic LVOT obstruction, morbid obesity precluding imaging, arrhythmias that affect stroke volume, implanted cardiac assist devices, pregnancy, or those on comfort-only care are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the measurement comparison.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If Cheetah NICOM closely matches echocardiography, clinicians could use the noninvasive device for faster, continuous stroke volume monitoring to help guide resuscitation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous comparisons of bioreactance devices like NICOM to echocardiography or thermodilution have shown mixed results, with moderate agreement in some settings but variable accuracy in critically ill patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Clinical diagnosis of shock as determined by the treating ICU physician (e.g., hypotension requiring vasopressors or evidence of end-organ hypoperfusion)
* Able to obtain informed consent from the patient or a legally authorized representative
* Enrollment within 24 hours of ICU admission

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Known severe aortic valve disease or dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction
* Morbid obesity (BMI \> 40) that precludes accurate echocardiographic imaging Presence of cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response) affecting stroke volume measurements
* Implanted cardiac assist devices (e.g., LVAD, pacemaker dependency)
* Imminent death or decision for comfort care only

Where this trial is running

Las Vegas, Nevada

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Shock, Critical Illness, Cheeta NICOM, Bioreactance, Transthoracic Echocardiography, Passive Leg Raising, Stroke Volume, Shock Assssment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.