Figure 1.

The role of the microcirculation in goal-directed circulatory support. The upstream endpoints of resuscitation are hemodynamic and oxygen-derived variables that can be modulated by circulatory support interventions. The downstream variables are markers of tissue perfusion and effectiveness of resuscitation. The microcirculation is the critical intermediary that delivers blood flow from the cardiovascular system to the tissues. BPM, beats per minute; CVP, central venous pressure; DO₂, oxygen delivery; HR, heart rate; MAP, mean arterial pressure; PCWP, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure; pHi, gastric intramucosal pH; PslCO₂, sublingual pCO₂; SBP, systolic blood pressure; SV, stroke volume; SvO₂, mixed venous oxygen saturation; SVR, systemic vascular resistance.