[Techniques available for hemodynamic monitoring. Advantages and limitations].

The pulmonary artery catheter has been a key tool for monitoring hemodynamic status in the intensive care unit for nearly 40 years. During this period of time, it has been the hemodynamic monitoring technique most commonly used for the diagnosis of many clinical situations, allowing clinicians to understand the underlying cardiovascular physiopathology, and helping to guide treatment interventions. However, in recent years, the usefulness of pulmonary artery catheterization has been questioned.

[Limitation of therapeutic effort after ICU admission. Analysis of related factors].

Objective: To analyze the limitation of therapeutic effort (LTE) in our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the variables associated with that decision.

Design: Prospective cohort study with a follow up of one year after discharge.

Setting: ICU of a second level hospital.

[Comparison of two electrode positions in electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation].

Objective: This study aims to compare effectiveness of electrical cardioversion (ECV) in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) according to the electrode positions: anteroapical (A-A) or anteroposterior (A-P). That which restores the sinus rhythm (SR) using the least energy is considered superior.

Design: Observational study comparing two consecutive series of patients.