Inferior vena cava distensibility index predicting fluid responsiveness in ventilated patients

Echocardiography is a non-invasive procedure which enables full assesment of cardiac function. The inferior vena cava (IVC) is a compliant blood vessel, easily distended, especially in cases of hypovolemia. Assessment of the physiologic characteristics of the IVC provides a rapid distinction between low and high volume states and offers the clinician a rapid, noninvasive way to guide resuscitation in critically ill patients.