Pulmonary Artery Catheters (aka Swan Ganz Catheters)

A pulmonary artery catheter, also known as a Swan-Ganz catheter, is used to monitor various cardiovascular and pulmonary parameters in critically ill patients. It is inserted through a large central vein, typically the internal jugular or subclavian vein, and threaded into the pulmonary artery.

Once in place, a PAC can measure:

1. Pulmonary artery pressure: This provides information about the pressure within the pulmonary circulation, helping to diagnose and manage conditions like pulmonary hypertension.

2. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP): PCWP reflects the pressure within the left atrium and left ventricle. It is used to assess left heart function and fluid status.

3. Cardiac output: By injecting a small amount of a saline and measuring its concentration as it passes through the pulmonary artery, this catheter can estimate cardiac output, helping assess heart function.

4. Central venous pressure (CVP): CVP reflects the pressure in the right atrium and can help evaluate right heart function and fluid status.

The data obtained from a pulmonary artery catheter can assist in managing conditions like congestive heart failure, sepsis, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, its use has become less common in recent years due to potential complications and the development of alternative monitoring techniques.

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