Using hemodynamic waveforms to assess cardiopulmonary pathologies

The pulmonary artery catheter brought measurement of hemodynamic parameters to the bedside in the early 1970s. The critical care clinician has been able to obtain direct and derived parameters that have proved useful in the diagnosis, management, and evaluation in various clinical conditions. The evaluation of the mechanical events in the heart, as evidenced through accurate interpretation of waveform configuration, has enhanced the diagnostic ability of the clinician. A wide variety of cardiopulmonary conditions can be recognized, including valvular defects, shunts, electrical disturbances and others, which allow the clinician to optimize hemodynamic function and impact patient survival.