Subcostal echo method for measuring cardiac output

Discontinuous Echocardiographic Subcostal Cardiac Output Measurement by the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract in Critical Care

University Hospital, Rouen · NCT07177391

This project tries a subcostal (under-the-rib) echocardiogram method to measure cardiac output in adult ICU patients who need echocardiography.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Rouen (other)
Locations1 site (Rouen)
Trial IDNCT07177391 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational project uses the subcostal transthoracic echocardiography route to obtain right ventricular outflow tract measurements and time-velocity integrals to calculate cardiac output without adding invasive devices. Measurements are taken during routine echocardiographic exams in adult patients admitted to the Rouen University Hospital intensive care unit, adding only seconds or minutes to standard practice. The method applies the same mathematical principles used for left ventricular outflow tract cardiac output calculation but via the subcostal view and right ventricular outflow tract. Data will describe feasibility, image quality, and the practicality of discontinuous subcostal cardiac output measurement in critically ill, less mobilizable patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adult patients (≥18 years) admitted to the Rouen University Hospital ICU who require transthoracic echocardiography for diagnosis or therapeutic monitoring are eligible.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, actively dying, legally incapacitated without consent, not affiliated with social security, or those who refuse participation are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this method could provide a quicker, less invasive, and lower-cost way to monitor cardiac output at the bedside in critically ill patients.

How similar studies have performed: Echocardiography-based cardiac output measurement via the left ventricular outflow tract is established, but using a subcostal right ventricular outflow tract approach for cardiac output has not been described in the literature and is therefore novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patient (Age ≥ 18 years)
* Patient admitted to the intensive care unit at Rouen University Hospital.
* Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is required upon admission or during the patient's stay for diagnostic assessment and/or therapeutic monitoring.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Person deprived of liberty by an administrative or judicial decision or person placed under judicial protection/guardianship or curatorship
* Patient not affiliated with the social security system
* Refusal by the patient or trusted person if the patient is incapable of expressing consent
* Pregnant woman
* Dying patient

Where this trial is running

Rouen

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: Cardiac Output Measurement, diagnosis of circulatory failure, multiple failures in critical care

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.