Abstract
Monitoring hemodynamics is one of the basic prerequisites of safety in anesthesia and intensive care. Nowadays, we can choose the appropriate level of hemodynamic monitoring depending on the complexity of the procedure and the overall physical condition of the patient.
In general, with increasing risk of surgery and/or patient morbidity, we choose a continuous, more advanced and invasive methods. However, hemodynamic monitoring makes only than sense, when coupled with appropriate treatment.
Our major aim should be to maintain hemodynamic stability by achieving clearly defined hemodynamic goals. For this approach, we use the now well-known term (perioperative) goal-directed therapy.
From its origin, dictated by the Shoemaker's group in the 1980s, its aim is to maintain a sufficient supply of oxygen to the tissues and thus ensure their normal function. This chapter presents the current possibilities and views of hemodynamic monitoring in noncardiac surgery as well as the goals we try to achieve in perioperative hemodynamic optimization.