The ability to non-invasively, accurately, and continuously measure CVP to assess the preload status of ED patients could lead to its inclusion into existing protocols (similar to EGDT), or the development of novel protocols for the treatment of patients with fluid sensitive conditions. The majority of other non-invasive measures of preload, such as ultrasound of the inferior vena cava or the passive leg raise technique are not continuous measures and require some type of effort or skill on the part of the clinician. Continuous methods of assessing preload include CVP measurement through a central venous catheter, esophageal Doppler monitoring, and pulse contour analysis via arterial catheter monitoring, all of which involve invasive procedures.~The Venus CVP device is non-invasive and has continuous monitoring capabilities. The data acquired from this project will allow us to determine whether emergency physicians will, in practice, utilize the information provided by a non-invasive CVP monitoring device to assist in the management of their patients with severe sepsis or acute HF.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact that the Venus 1000 non-invasive CVP system has on the management of emergency department (ED) patients with fluid sensitive conditions.