The Effect of Perioperative Cardiac Output-guided Goal-directed Hemodynamic Therapy (GDT) on Perioperative Oxygen Delivery, Consumption, and Microcirculatory Perfusion in Comparison to Routine Hemodynamic Management

Perioperative cardiac output-guided goal-directed therapy (GDT) triggers fluid, vasopressor, and inotrope administration assuming that optimizing cardiac output (i.e., global blood flow) ensures adequate oxygen delivery and microcirculatory perfusion - that are usually not directly monitored during goal-directed therapy. There is increasing evidence that perioperative cardiac output-guided goal-directed therapy may reduce postoperative complications compared to routine hemodynamic management in high-risk patients having major surgery. The effect of cardiac output-guided goal-directed therapy algorithms on perioperative oxygen delivery and consumption as well as microcirculatory perfusion, however, is unknown.

With technological advancements a distinct monitoring of oxygen delivery and consumption as well as microcirculatory perfusion in the perioperative period has become possible. Using new technologies, a detailed understanding of the effect of cardiac output-guided goal-directed therapy on perioperative oxygen delivery and consumption as well as microcirculatory perfusion is of vital importance to further develop and improve perioperative hemodynamic treatment strategies.

In this pilot randomized-controlled trial, the investigators therefore aim to investigate the effect of using different cardiac output-guided goal-directed therapy algorithms on perioperative oxygen delivery and consumption as well as sublingual microcirculatory perfusion compared to routine perioperative hemodynamic management in patients having major abdominal surgery with general anesthesia.