Current use of the pulmonary artery catheter

The pulmonary artery catheter is one of the most scrutinized monitors used in intensive care today. Pulmonary artery catheter use is declining due to limited demonstrated beneficial outcomes and the advancement of less invasive monitoring. This study discusses the current use of the pulmonary artery catheter and problems associated with its use including inaccuracy of measurements and data interpretation, inappropriately applied therapeutic interventions, inappropriate delays in applying interventions, and inappropriate patient selection.

This overview presents current controversies surrounding the pulmonary artery catheter. It also discusses commonly used monitors and their lack of demonstrated benefits. In addition, data show that intensivists do not have sufficient knowledge to effectively use the pulmonary artery catheter. When utilized in a timely appropriate manner, pulmonary artery catheter monitoring may benefit a selected patient population.

In summary, the pulmonary artery catheter monitor continues to be used for intensive care patients. To date, no single monitor is associated with an abundance of clear outcome benefits. There are some clinical data showing that the pulmonary artery catheter may still be useful when applied to the right patient population using appropriately timed therapies.