During major surgery fluids are lost due to haemorrhage, perspiration and evaporation. Intravenous administration of fluids is the most obvious way of preventing hypovolemia. However, it is difficult to estimate the appropriate amount of fluid because of the shift of fluid from the intravascular to the extravascular compartment. Especially the frail, elderly patients undergoing major abdominal surgery are at risk of reaching a state of hypo- of hypervolemia, eventually leading to organ failure.
The purpose of this project is to develop a mathematical model that can give insight in the fluid status of the patient (Tilaï Rosalina). Model components include the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal system, as well as humoral feedback. Eventually the model would assist in estimating patient fluid status from clinical observations, such as tachycardia, low blood pressure, reduced urine output, and improve clinical decision making, both intra- and post-operatively.
The perioperative monitoring research is carried out in collaboration with Philips and the Catharina Hospital Eindhoven.