gms | German Medical Science

Hemodynamic monitoring and adequate volume-therapy, as well as treatment with positive inotropes and vasopressors, are the basic principles of the postoperative intensive care treatment of patients after cardiothoracic surgery. The purpose of this evidence- and consensus-based S3 guideline elaborated by the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and the German Society for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine is to give recommendations and define goals for monitoring and therapy and to improve the quality of postoperative intensive care after cardiothoracic surgery. The specific aims were to assess available monitoring methods, differentiated volume therapy, intra-aortic counterpulsation and therapy with vasoactive agents. This guideline has been developed according to the recommendations from the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF). The key messages of the guideline were approved after two consensus meetings under the moderation of the AWMF. The implementation of evidence-based practice guidelines is a multifaceted process and a team effort. Further studies are needed to evaluate, whether implementation can be supported by electronic documentation of patient data. The declarations of conflict of interest of all participants can be viewed on request, from the respective professional societies.

These authors have specified financial competing interests: C. Spies has received lecture fees and study support from Abbott, Aspect, Arrow, Braun Melsungen, Deltex, Dräger, Edwards Life Sciences, Fresenius, GSK, and Pulsion.