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Pulmonary artery catheterization.
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, St. Francis Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Critical Care Clinics
|October 1, 1992
Summary
The pulmonary artery catheter remains vital in acute care despite debate. Its clinical value hinges on proper interpretation of hemodynamic data, technical skill, and physician integrity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- The pulmonary artery (PA) catheter is a cornerstone of hemodynamic monitoring in acute care.
- Despite ongoing discussions about its limitations, PA catheter use continues to rise, with over one million insertions annually in the US.
- Alternative technologies have not yet replaced the PA catheter in routine clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the pulmonary artery catheter.
- To detail the technical aspects of insertion, hardware selection, and data acquisition/analysis.
- To summarize indications, contraindications, clinical utility, and major complications.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data and clinical literature.
- Focus on technical aspects of PA catheter insertion and data interpretation.
- Summary of reported complications and clinical utility.
Main Results:
- The PA catheter is widely used despite recommendations for restriction.
- Clinical interpretation of PA catheter data is crucial and depends on understanding hemodynamics and physician skill.
- Major complications have been documented since its introduction.
Conclusions:
- The pulmonary artery catheter remains a significant tool in acute clinical care.
- Effective use requires technical proficiency and accurate interpretation of hemodynamic data.
- Ongoing evaluation of its utility and potential complications is essential.