Hemodynamic Monitoring

37th Critical Care Congress:  Hemodynamic Monitoring and Assessment of Tissue Perfusion

• Jeffery S. Vender, MD, FCCM discusses techniques and monitors of organ
   perfusion
• Michael L. Cheatham, MD, FCCM describes recent advances in hemodynamic
   monitoring
• Scott M. Ahlbrand, MD presents metabolic markers of adequate tissue perfusion
• Jeff Kuvin, MD illustrates the use of echocardiography in the ICU
• Michael H. Wall, MD, FCCM discusses the advantages of transthoracic
   echocardiography periopertaively and in the ICU

To hear the complete presentation, click here.

Publications

Hemodynamic Monitoring. Multiprofessional Critical Care Review Course. 2005

Hemodynamic monitoring might be defined as measurement and interpretation of biological signals that describe performance of the cardiovascular system.  While important, hemodynamic monitoring, thus defined, is only a piece of the puzzle.  Intensive monitoring of critically ill patients should involve an integrated assessment of tissue perfusion, oxygen delivery, and cellular health at both regional and global levels.

Hemodynamic monitoring systems are usually used to guide therapies designed to support the cardiovascular system during time so circulatory instability.  These monitors present rather raw data without much intelligent integration.  Frightening evidence suggest that substantial gaps exist in many clinicians’ understanding of fundamental concepts of  hemodynamic monitoring.
    
Click here to view the entire chapter of Hemodynamic Monitoring.

For more information on caring for the critically ill and injured patients, the publication Multiprofessional Critical Care Review Course is available for purchase from the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Click here for details or to add to your shopping cart.

Pediatrics

Common Pitfalls and Artifacts in Hemodynamic Monitoring.  Current Concepts in Pediatric Critical Care Course.

Pediatric critical care is a discipline driven by a steady stream of data which is acquired, analyzed, and synthesized to allow a rational and effective approach to care of critically ill and injured children.  Algorithms and guidelines have evolved through efforts to improve outcomes by standardizing the approach to certain major pathophysiolgoic states.  Accuracy and validity of the data measurements are essential elements of any critical care plan, and algorithm and pathways do not allow one to assume that data are correct.   The practitioner must be aware of potential sources of error in measurement and interpretation, and be able to interpret data in context, considering the entire picture of the patient rather than viewing the data as a collection of independent variables.  In addition, complications associated with invasive monitoitng must be clearly understood in order to rationally progress to goal-directed therapy based on measurement  acquired in this way.
 
Click here to view the entire chapter of Common Pitfalls and Artifacts in Hemodynamic Monitoring.

For more information on caring for the critically ill and injured patients, the publication Current Concepts in Pediatric Critical Care Course is available for purchase from the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Click here for details or to add to your shopping cart.