Abstract: A method of determining ventricular dysfunction, particularly right ventricular dysfunction and device for determining dysfunction of the heart and determining a cardiac output are discussed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a catheter, wherein the catheter comprises an elongate portion having a proximal end and at least one lumen at said proximal end, at least one extension tube having a passage, and a coupling element, the distal portion of the extension tube being capable of communicating with a lumen of the elongate portion via a passage in the coupling element wherein the method comprises a step wherein a removable insert element locates and holds the extension tube in contact with the elongate portion during the manufacture of a coupling element. The invention also relates to a removable insert for use in the manufacturing of catheters.

Abstract: A catheter having a heat transfer device at or near its distal end, wherein the heat transfer device is layered or coated onto or into the catheter wall is described. The heat transfer device is preferably a flexible film having one or more electrical resistor flow paths thereon or therethrough, or is disposed directly onto the catheter wall by a deposition process. The heat transfer device may alternatively be formed by a length of the catheter wall being formed wholly, substantially of partly from doped material able to act as a heat transfer device upon application of power therethrough. The heat transfer device is preferably powered by one or more metal wires co-extruded within the catheter body.