Respiratory monitoring tools in the intensive care unit

Purpose of review: Respiratory monitoring tools remain important in the overall assessment of a patient in the ICU. A working knowledge of the various tools is helpful in applying their use to patient care. Recent findings: The past year has seen tremendous research in this domain of patient care, fueled by rapid advances in modern technology. Still, the ICU clinician continues to rely on tried and true established tools while awaiting proof of clinical efficacy of newer modalities. Summary: This review discusses traditional methods of respiratory system evaluation and their current controversies. Attention is also given to newer modalities, including those that are investigational or currently limited to bench application, that show promise of future application in ICU clinical practice.