Update on minimally invasive hemodynamic monitoring in thoracic anesthesia

Advanced hemodynamic monitoring is indispensable for adequate management of patients undergoing major surgery. This article will summarize minimally invasive hemodynamic monitoring technologies and their potential use in thoracic anesthesia.

According to their inherent principle, currently available technologies can be classified into four groups: bioimpedance and bioreactance, applied Fick's principle, pulse wave analysis and Doppler. All devices measure stroke volume and cardiac output. Functional hemodynamic variables and volumetric parameters have been integrated in some devices. Two major indications can be identified: the 'hemodynamically unstable' patient and the patient 'at risk' for hemodynamic instability. Although there is evidence for the first indication, pre-emptive hemodynamic therapy or perioperative hemodynamic optimization for the patient 'at risk' is still an issue of ongoing debate. There is a growing body of evidence that this approach can positively influence patients' outcome with less postoperative complications in selected patient groups.

Many different minimally invasive hemodynamic monitoring devices have been developed and clinically introduced in the last years. They offer the advantage of being less invasive and easier to use. However, these techniques have several limitations and data are scarce in patients undergoing thoracic anesthesia, preventing their widespread use so far.