Systemic and Pulmonary Microcirculation, Double Microcirculation: From Basic Concepts to Treatment Key Points

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Macrocirculation is divided into systemic and pulmonary circulation.
• Microcirculation is rarely subdivided in clinical practice, despite its role in critical illness.
• Current treatments may overlook microcirculatory heterogeneity in critically ill patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate systemic and pulmonary microcirculation.
• To introduce the concept of "double microcirculation."
• To propose treatment strategies based on double microcirculation protection for improved critical care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual synthesis.
• Comparative analysis of systemic and pulmonary microcirculation.
• Discussion of structural, functional, and regulatory differences.

Main Results:

• Systemic and pulmonary microcirculations exhibit distinct characteristics.
• The concept of "double microcirculation" highlights patient heterogeneity.
• Targeting double microcirculation offers refined treatment approaches.

Conclusions:

• Subdividing microcirculation into systemic and pulmonary components is essential.
• The "double microcirculation" concept refines understanding of critical illness.
• Protecting double microcirculation can enhance critical care and patient prognosis.