Invasive and noninvasive monitoring for early recognition and treatment of shock in high-risk trauma and surgical patients

The proposed noninvasive monitoring systems provide the essential hemodynamic and oxygen transport information previously available only by invasive thermodilution catheters. More importantly, the noninvasive systems provide continuous on-line real-time displays of data which allow immediate recognition of circulatory abnormalities and provide a means to titrate therapy to appropriate therapeutic goals. The noninvasive systems are easy to apply, safe, inexpensive, and more cost-effective than invasive monitoring.