Author(s): Adam C. Adler, MD MS, Ramakant Sharma, MD, Thomas Higgins, MD, and William T. Mc-Gee, MD
The goal of hemodynamic monitoring in intensive care is to assess the adequacy of perfusion, specifically with regard to maintaining sufficient perfusion pressures and oxygen delivery. Precise volume management of peri-operative and critical care patients is crucial as under or over resuscitation is associated with adverse outcomes. Hemodynamic monitoring allows care to be individualized based on specific patient response to therapy and can provide early warning of impending perfusion deficits or instability. Physiologic monitoring aids determination of appropriate therapy.