Respiratory system: Edited by Antonio PesentiHemodynamic monitoring in the mechanically ventilated patientMagder, Sheldon Author Information McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Correspondence to Sheldon Magder, Royal Victoria Hospital, 687 Pine Av W, Canada H3A 1A1 E-mail: [email protected] Current Opinion in Critical Care 17(1):p 36-42, February 2011. | DOI: 10.1097/MCC.0b013e32834272c1 Buy Metrics Abstract Purpose of review Interactions between the heart and lungs are magnified in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation and the consequences of these interactions always need to be considered when managing ventilated patients. In patients with normal lungs and normal cardiovascular function monitoring needs are minimal, but when oxygenation and cardiac function are compromised careful assessment of the consequences of changes in ventilator settings needs to be considered to ensure that adequate oxygen delivery is maintained. Recent findings Primary determinants of heart–lung interactions are first reviewed and then approaches to the use of simple hemodynamic measurements such as respiratory variations in central venous and pulmonary artery occlusion, or arterial pressure are described for assessing oxygen delivery, volume responsiveness as well as indicators of ventilatory mechanics. Summary Use of simple measurements available during routine monitoring can be very helpful to the informed clinician for optimizing hemodynamic performance as well as patient ventilator interactions. © 2011 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.