Table 1

Strengths and weaknesses of the LiDCO™plus method of measuring cardiac output

Strengths

Weaknesses


May be used in conscious and unconscious patients

Arterial waveform artefact may significantly affect data accuracy

May be calibrated by nursing or medical staff in 10 min

Irregular pulse rate may affect data accuracy

Provides dynamic markers of fluid responsiveness

Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants interfere with calibration


Pearse et al. Critical Care 2004 8:190   doi:10.1186/cc2852