Non-Invasive Measurement of Systemic Haemodynamics by Finometry in Patients with Cirrhosis

Kowalski and Abelmann originally described the hyperdynamic circulation associated with cirrhosis in 1953, which is characterised by an increased cardiac output, heart rate, and stroke volume and reduced peripheral vascular resistance [1]. The hyperdynamic circulation of cirrhosis is characterised by increased cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance being independently associated with portal pressure [2-5]. In cirrhotic patients these haemodynamic parameters may be a good marker of the development of portal hypertension and its complications. Traditionally, measurement of cardiac output is by the thermodilution method, but it is invasive carrying significant complication risks. The Finometer® Finapres Medical Systems, Amsterdam, The Netherlands is a non-invasive device for measuring systemic haemodynamics, that allows continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure and haemodynamic monitoring utilising a volume-clamp from which aortic flow waveform can Non-Invasive Measurement of Systemic Haemodynamics by Finometry in Patients with Cirrhosis