Interstitial microdialysis is a minimally invasive method that allows biochemical monitoring of endogenous and exogenous substances in extracellular tissue space. The method is based on sampling of soluble molecules from the interstitial space fluid by means of a semipermeable membrane. Microdialysis has been applied in primary and clinical research of metabolic changes and the blood flow in tissue interstitium and pharmacokinetic drug studies. Results obtained by microdialysis are gradually finding their place in clinical practice as well. This paper is aimed at presenting to the reader new technique of monitoring interstitial metabolism, its advantages, drawbacks and relevance for medicine.

        Key words: interstitial microdialysis, metabolism, recovery, primary research, cardiac surgery.