No / A mathematical model which describes the functioning of a Goldmann-type applanation tonometer is proposed in order in order to verify the validity of the Imbert-Fick principle. The spherical axi-symmetric elastic equilibrium equation and solved using a Love stress function. Conclusions are drawn regarding the circumstances under which the Imbert-Fick principle may or may not be vaild.

This thesis provides a first description and proof-of-concept of iterative cardiac output measurement (ICO) – a respiratory, carbon-dioxide (CO2) based method of measuring cardiac output (CO). The ICO method continuously tests and refines an estimate of the CO by attempting to maintain the end-tidal CO2 constant. To validate the new method, ICO and bolus thermodilution CO (TDCO) were simultaneously measured in a porcine model of liver transplant. Linear regression analysis revealed the equation ICO = 0.69•TDCO + 0.65 with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.89. Analysis by the method of Bland and Altman showed a bias of -0.2 L/min with 95% limits of agreement from -1.1 to 0.7 L/min. The trending ability of ICO was determined using the half-circle polar plot method where the mean radial bias, the standard deviation of the polar angle, and 95% confidence interval of the polar angle were -8º, ±17º, and ±33º, respectively.

This thesis provides a first description and proof-of-concept of iterative cardiac output measurement (ICO) – a respiratory, carbon-dioxide (CO2) based method of measuring cardiac output (CO). The ICO method continuously tests and refines an estimate of the CO by attempting to maintain the end-tidal CO2 constant. To validate the new method, ICO and bolus thermodilution CO (TDCO) were simultaneously measured in a porcine model of liver transplant. Linear regression analysis revealed the equation ICO = 0.69•TDCO + 0.65 with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.89. Analysis by the method of Bland and Altman showed a bias of -0.2 L/min with 95% limits of agreement from -1.1 to 0.7 L/min. The trending ability of ICO was determined using the half-circle polar plot method where the mean radial bias, the standard deviation of the polar angle, and 95% confidence interval of the polar angle were -8º, ±17º, and ±33º, respectively.