[New aspects of minimally invasive cardiac output monitoring].

The variety of minimally invasive cardiac output (CO) monitoring devices is growing rendering it difficult to keep track of new developments. In this article technical principles, limitations and validation procedures considering new aspects are reviewed. An integrated approach for their use is proposed since no single device can comply with all clinical needs. CO should be interpreted in combination with clinical information and other hemodynamic parameters. It's evident that not the monitor per se, but only the protocol / therapy based on the hemodynamic data can improve patients outcome.