Cardiovascular II

Cardiac dysfunction and hemodynamic instability comprise another hallmark pathology seen in the intensive care unit. Some could argue that cardiovascular compromise is the most common indication for intensive care management. This chapter aims to emphasize more non-traditional means of managing the patient with cardiac dysfunction up to and including mechanical devices. Additionally, the reader will find cases involving echocardiography which is commonly tested and growing in importance, particularly in the surgical population as volume assessment is challenging when only conventional means are applied. It is our hope that by the end of this chapter, the reader will have experienced a 360 degree perspective of the range of cardiac disease questions with an eye towards the types of questions which may be on the horizon for future examinations.