What are the indications?

It is used to:

• Assess cardiac function
• Assess volume status
• Evaluate treatment

The indications for a PiCCO include:

• Shock
• Sepsis
• Cardiac dysfunction
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
• Major cardiac, abdominal, orthopaedic surgery
• Post transplant surgery

How Does It Work?

The Intensive Care team will need to insert two catheters into the patient. One is a Central Venous Catheter, which may already be in place. The other is a special Arterial Line, usually placed in the groin of the patient. Using these two catheters the PiCCO can give a great deal of information about the ability of the heart to pump efficiently as well as telling the Intensive Care team if the patient requires more or less intravenous fluids.

Are There Any Complications?

All Intensive Care interventions and procedures carry a degree of potential risk even when performed by skilled and experienced staff. Please discuss these issues with the medical and nursing staff who are caring for the patient.

Any Further Concerns?

Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with the ICU nurses and doctors.