Broader applications of arterial pressure wave form analysis

Invasive arterial pressure monitoring is one of the most frequent monitoring techniques used in critically ill patients and in anaesthetized subjects in whom rapid changes in the haemodynamic status is anticipated during the perioperative period. The arterial waveforms obtained via an indwelling arterial cannula are transduced and displayed on a monitor providing a beat-to-beat estimate of the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (MAPs). However, it is now well established that a more detailed study of the arterial waveforms and their interactions with respiration, may provide a more informative and composite assessment of the overall cardiovascular status. Understanding of the physiological determinants that influence the shape of an arterial pressure waveform is however an absolute prerequisite if we are to successfully utilize the simple arterial waveforms to evaluate global haemodynamic status in our patients.