Cardiovascular-pulmonary monitoring in the intensive care unit (Part 2).

Proliferation of technology in the ICU likely will continue at a rapid pace. This presents a strong challenge to the clinician's task of "above all, do not harm." While invasive techniques carry obvious direct risks, both invasive and noninvasive monitoring present a more subtle threat. Pitfalls in the acquisition and interpretation of data must be recognized before appropriate therapeutic decisions can be made. Advanced monitoring devices and techniques must supplement and not supplant clinical assessment.