Fig. 1

Microcirculatory dysfunction in sepsis. The microvascular network undergoes functional and structural changes during inflammatory states such as sepsis and may have a key role in organ dysfunction. Changes include dilation of arterioles, microvascular thrombosis, increased adhesion of leukocytes in venules, and increased vascular permeability. These alterations result in impaired microcirculatory blood flow and tissue perfusion, ultimately leading to organ failure. Techniques for measuring microcirculatory flow in vivo have been previously described but these tools have not yet been rigorously tested for use in patients with sepsis