Vnitr Lek 2006, 52(2):160-166

Medical device Task Force Monitor in diagnostics of syncope by means of head-up tilt table testing

J. Siegelová^1,*, B. Fišer²

¹ Klinika funkční diagnostiky a rehabilitace Lékařské fakulty MU a FN u sv. Anny, Brno, přednosta prof. MUDr. Jarmila Siegelová, DrSc.

² Fyziologický ústav Lékařské fakulty MU, Brno, přednosta prof. MUDr. Bohumil Fišer, CSc.

Head-up tilt table testing is used for diagnostics of vasovagal syncope. Beat-to-beat blood pressure recording and ECG monitoring is not sufficient for clarification of the syncope mechanisms in individual patients, however. That is why a Task Force Monitor was developed in Graz, Austria. In addition this device enables stroke volume recording by impedance method. Other advantages are calculations of cardiac output, beat-to-beat total peripheral resistance, heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity as well as activity of sympathicus and parasympathicus assessment. These methods enable detailed hemodynamic analysis during the whole head-up tilt testing duration, the moment of syncope including.

Keywords: vasovagal syncope; head-up tilt table testing; Task Force Monitor; heart rate variability; baroreflex sensitivity

Received: August 25, 2005; Accepted: November 2, 2005; Published: February 1, 2006  Show citation