A Little Math we Will Need Throughout the Book and a Clinical Application Immediately

Abstract

Physics and mathematics are inextricably linked. In fact, for still partly mysterious reasons, the mathematical language is incredibly effective in describing the “physical world.” Accordingly, in Physics for Anesthesiologists and Intensivists we cannot do without a little mathematics to fully understand the physics that lies behind our “clinical” world, namely that of anesthesiology and intensive care medicine. However, some algebra, a bit of geometry and trigonometry, and just a couple of notions of calculus (very rarely), are all we will need, and are briefly brushed up in this chapter. We will also take the opportunity to immediately make some considerations relating to our daily clinical practice, in particular about the use of geometry and trigonometry to help consolidate our ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization technique, especially when it is performed the first few times.