Modern trends in monitoring in anaesthesia: its benefits and costs

Many monitoring devices, including peripheral arterial catheters, multichannel electrocardiographs, pulmonary artery catheters, capnographs, and pulse oximeters, have vied for acceptance in modern operating rooms. Considerable costs are associated with the use of these monitors. These costs are not limited to the purchase price of the equipment, but extend to the cost of any complications. The use of new equipment is fostered by the belief that new monitors improve the care of patients. However, for some invasive monitoring modalities, it is difficult to demonstrate clinical benefit.