Non-invasive cardiac output monitoring.

Outcomes in the management of critically ill patients may be improved using goal-directed peri-operative haemodynamic monitoring. A conservative approach may no longer be acceptable but in view of the significant morbidity associated with balloon tipped flow directed pulmonary artery catheters a non-invasive approach would be preferable. In this review we consider the different non-invasive techniques available and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.