Use of non-invasive esophageal echo-Doppler system in the ICU: a practical experience

In a recent issue of the Journal of Trauma, Kim et al. described their experience with the esophageal Doppler monitor (EDM) in major burn patients. Other authors have reported the historical development of the EDM, reviewed the technical and scientific aspects of this modality, and compared the EDM with the pulmonary arterial catheter (PAC). However, most studies exclude the bedside, practical aspects of EDM placement and use. We retrospectively reviewed our EDM utilization over the past 27 months, with emphasis on the practical aspects of its use, potential indications, and contraindications. The purpose of this paper is to share our EDM experience with the reader.