Monitoring the cardiovascular system during anesthesia.

Cardiovascular data can provide the anesthesiologist with very valuable information that enables him to take better care of his patient. This information will prove even more valuable if the following few rules are followed: (1) do not be mesmerized, confused, or preoccupied by complex equipment, (2) do not avoid paying direct attention to your patient, (3) remember to use what will provide clinically useful information and heed this information, and (4) remember that electronic monitoring is not always superior to other methods.