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Level 1: Foundation Course in Haemodynamics (Part II)

Last updated : 15/12/2025 - 276 views

Format: Online
Date: May 12-13, 2026

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Level 1. Foundation Course (introductory) in Haemodynamics (Part II) offers an in-depth introduction to advanced cardiovascular physiology, focusing on the principles of venous return, mean systemic filling pressure, and venous resistance, as well as their relationship with cardiac function and fluid responsiveness. Topics include the effects of intrathoracic pressure and ventilation on haemodynamics, microcirculation and oxygen transport, methods for assessing fluid responsiveness, and cardiac output monitoring techniques. The course also covers pharmacologic interventions in shock states, principles of transpulmonary thermodilution, and the diagnosis and management of septic shock and common cardiac arrhythmias in critical care. After registering for the event, ensure you access the pre-course materials available for study in the dedicated online classroom on the ESICM Academy.

Continue your learning journey with the Level 1. Part II, Level 2. Transition Course (application) and further deepen with Level 3. The Advanced Master Course (integration and simulation).

Faculty

Haemodynamics Pathway Directors:

Michelle CHEW MD, PhD Professor Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden; Past Chair Cardiovascular Dynamics Section, ESICM

Antonio MESSINA MD, PhD ICU senior consultant, Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Rozzano (Milano), Italy; Chair Cardiovascular Dynamics Section, ESICM

Xavier MONNET MD, PhD, Professor of Intensive Care, Medical Intensive Care Unit, Bicêtre Hospital, Paris-Saclay University Hospitals, Paris, France; Past Chair Cardiovascular Dynamics Section, ESICM

Course Directors Level 1 Part II:

  • Victoria BENNETT MBBS FFICM FRCA. Anaesthetic and Intensive care consultant, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. London, United Kingdom
  • Mathieu JOZWIAK MD PhD, Professor of Intensive Care, Medical Intensive Care Unit, Nice teaching Archet 1 Hospital, Côte d’Azur University, Nice, France

Endorsement: The course is endorsed by the Cardiovascular Dynamics Section, ESICM.

Objectives
  • Identify the determinants of venous return, central venous pressure, and the relationship with cardiac function.
  • Describe the interactions between the right and left heart, intrathoracic pressures, and the effects of mechanical ventilation and lung conditions on hemodynamics.
  • Recognize the anatomy and physiology of the microcirculation, common disturbances, and basic monitoring techniques.
  • List the principles of fluid responsiveness, including static and dynamic parameters and common fluid responsiveness tests.
  • Describe the main vasoactive medications (vasopressors, inotropes, vasodilators), their general effects, and principles of use in shock.
  • Identify basic cardiac output monitoring methods, the role of echocardiography, and common ICU cardiac arrhythmias and their management.
Programme Content

Venous Return and Hemodynamics

  • Determinants of venous return, central venous pressure, and ventricular function
  • Effects of intrathoracic pressure and mechanical ventilation on heart and hemodynamics

Microcirculation

  • Capillary blood flow, oxygen delivery, CO₂ exchange
  • Bedside assessment techniques (NIRS, sublingual microscopy, va-CO₂ gap)

Fluid Responsiveness

  • Assessment methods (fluid bolus, PLR, tidal volume variation)
  • Advantages, limitations, and management of fluid overload

Vasoactive Medications

  • Vasopressors, inotropes, vasodilators, and principles of use

Cardiac Output Monitoring

  • Techniques: thermodilution, dye indicator, lithium, CO₂-rebreathing
  • Key parameters and their interpretation

Shock

  • Pathophysiology, diagnosis, monitoring, and management
  • Role of echocardiography

Cardiac Arrhythmias in the ICU

  • Common arrhythmias: assessment, diagnosis, and treatment
Target

This Foundation course is particularly suitable for trainees in their first years of training in intensive care medicine. However, any practitioner who wishes to refresh the fundamentals of Haemodynamics is welcome.

Support Emerging Nations and Eastern Europe

ESICM members from the Emerging Nations and Eastern Europe (see list of countries here) benefit from a reduced registration fee. In order to benefit from it, participants need to have an active ESICM membership for the current year. To become a member, please see more information here.

Accreditation

An application will be made to the UEMS EACCME® for CME accreditation of this event.

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