ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY ASSESSMENT OF LEFT-VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN THE CRITICALLY III

Echocardiography is fast becoming the technique of choice for noninvas ive evaluation of left ventricular function in the critically ill pati ent. Current technology allows for assessment of overall left ventricu lar performance and for diastolic and systolic function. Doppler techn ology has greatly enhanced the diagnostic capability of two-dimensiona l echocardiography. The critical care physician should be aware not on ly of currently available techniques, bur also those which will be use d in the routine care of the critically ill subject in the foreseeable future.