Optimizing Oxygen Delivery in Clinical Practice

The ultimate function of the cardiovascular system is to deliver oxygen and other nutrients to tissues and remove products of metabolism, including carbon dioxide. This function can become disrupted in critically ill patients, especially in those experiencing shock states. Rapid restoration of oxygen delivery in these patients is paramount for the prevention of tissue ischemia, hypoxia, and death. In this chapter, we dissect the components of oxygen delivery, the relative effects of changes in these components on overall oxygen delivery, and what the clinician can do to manipulate these components at the bedside to optimize oxygen delivery.