Use of pulmonary artery catheters in advanced heart failure

Randomized trials have demonstrated that use of the pulmonary artery catheter does not improve outcomes in patients with critical illness. Despite this, pulmonary artery catheters continue to be used, especially in heart failure. This review addresses recent clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of the pulmonary artery catheter. It also offers guidelines on when pulmonary artery catheter use could be considered in patients with advanced heart failure.

A meta-analysis demonstrated that use of the pulmonary artery catheter in critically ill patients had no significant impact on morbidity or mortality. In the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness trial, the addition of the pulmonary artery catheter to careful clinical assessment also had neutral impact. The results of the study are limited, however, by the patient population that was selected for the study, and there still may be a role for the pulmonary artery catheter in advanced heart failure.

Based on the results of the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness trial and the meta-analysis, there is no indication for routine use of pulmonary artery catheters to adjust therapy during hospitalization for decompensation of chronic heart failure. There remain many specific clinical situations in heart failure in which the pulmonary artery catheter may be useful, however.