This tool estimates the responsiveness of a patient’s circulatory system to fluid administration. It analyzes the cyclic changes in arterial pulse pressure that occur during mechanical ventilation, providing a numerical value. For example, a high value suggests that increasing blood volume will likely improve cardiac output, while a low value suggests that further fluids may not be beneficial and could even be harmful.
This method offers a dynamic assessment of fluid responsiveness, helping clinicians make more informed decisions about fluid management. This is crucial for optimizing cardiac output and tissue perfusion, especially in critically ill or surgical patients. This approach to fluid management has evolved significantly, moving from static measures like central venous pressure to more dynamic assessments that reflect the interplay between the heart, lungs, and circulating volume.
