Velocity Time Integral (VTI) and the Passive Leg Raise: Taking Volume Assessment to the Next Level

Velocity Time Integral (VTI) and the Passive Leg Raise: Taking Volume Assessment to the Next Level

Hypotensive patients requiring volume resuscitation are a regular occurrence for emergency physicians. Clinicians are often faced with determining whether patients will respond favorably to IV fluids both before and during vasopressor administration. The ability for point of care ultrasound (including assessment for B lines and IVC collapsibility) to predict volume status and fluid responsiveness has mixed evidence. Here we explore the velocity time integral (VTI), a measurement that can be coupled with a passive leg raise to more accurately assess for true fluid responsiveness.

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