The present invention provides a method of making a prognosis for a patient, with circulation failure, being considered for, or undergoing, intensive care therapy comprising assessing the state of the patient's microcirculation as well as apparatus for use in such methods. Assessments preferably comprise: (a) analysis of pericapillary pathology such as determining whether pericapillary bleedings and/or dark haloes are visible; and/or (b) determining the functional capillary density (FCD); and/or (c) determining the heterogeneity of the FCD; and/or (d) analysis of capillary flow patterns, such as the average blood flow velocity in the capillaries and/or the variation thereof among the capillaries. The invention also provides apparatus and software for performing these methods. The apparatus may comprise a video microscope and a computer, whereby the computer is arranged to receive image(s) of the microcirculation obtained using the video microscope and to process the image(s) to identify and / or determine characteristics / parameters associated with pathology.
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