Noninvasive Hemodynamics
Applying early monitoring
Advantages of Noninvasive Monitoring
Hemodynamics in general describes the blood flow in the blood vessels as a function of the influencing forces. The forces involved in hemodynamics work in concert and are also controlled by autoregulatory means. The body is striving to keep the hemodynamics in an optimal state, whether at rest, exercise or illness.
Hemodynamic monitoring is used to diagnose unstable or suboptimal conditions and associated risks. Monitoring quantifies the impact of subsequent interventions, helping the physician to precisely apply the right medication in the correct amount and/or fluid.
Hemodynamic monitoring is performed invasively as well as non-invasively. Traditional invasive methods incorporate thermodilution which requires that a transvenous catheter pushed forward to the pulmonary artery (PAC; Swan Ganz catheter). Other invasive methods require an arterial line to measure the blood pressure signal waveform.
Due to the invasiveness, the associated risk and last but not least the monetary costs, invasive methods are usually employed at an advanced stage of illness. Non-invasive methods which apply adhesive surface sensors pose no additional risk to the patient and allow much earlier application and diagnosis.
Another advantage of non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring is its applicability in patient groups for whom an invasive method is inadvisable or inapplicable for various reasons (e.g., children, neonates or geriatric patients).