Determination of cardiovascular parameters in burn patients using arterial waveform analysis: a review

Abstract

Optimizing cardiovascular function to ensure adequate tissue oxygen delivery is a key objective in the care of critically ill burn patients. In recent years several less invasive hemodynamic monitoring techniques (arterial waveform analysis techniques) have become available in clinical practice. These alternative techniques provide beat-to-beat cardiac output measurement and permit preload assessment using volumetric parameters. The aim of this article is to review the currently available data regarding to use of less invasive hemodynamic monitoring methods using the pulse wave analysis in burn unit setting.