An assessment of possible interventions to optimise haemodynamics in patients receiving major surgery

Haemodynamic instability is common in patients after major surgery. Treatments options include fluid bolus therapy and vasopressor medications. However, the impact of fluid bolus therapy is uncertain and vasopressor drugs have significant side-effects. The aim of this thesis was to define the physiological effects of different approaches to fluid bolus therapy (different temperatures, different infusion speed, and different fluid type) and their impact on haemodynamics, and to explore novel strategies (high dose vitamin C and a dexamethasone and albumin based glycocalyx protection) to modulate the physiological response to surgery with the goal of improving haemodynamic and clinical outcomes.