Objectives: In this review, we discuss hemodynamic monitoring modalities, including their application, the interpretation of data, limitations, and impact on outcomes.
Data source: MEDLINE, PubMed.
Conclusions: One of the tenets of critical care medicine is to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation. This assessment must be timely and accurate to optimize outcomes. The clinical assessment of cardiac function, cardiac output, and tissue oxygenation based on the physical examination and standard hemodynamic variables, although an indispensable part of this exercise, has significant limitations. The use of adjunctive hemodynamic monitoring modalities provides a much more objective, accurate, and timely assessment of the patient's hemodynamic profile and is invaluable for assessing the patient's clinical status, clinical trajectory, and response to interventions.