WHAT IS THE PULMONARY ARTERY CATHETER?

Scenario 1: Tom is a 45 year-old male who has a
longstanding cardiac history. He is now in the ICU
for complaints of  shortness of breath on exertion,
chest pain, and dizziness. A diagnosis of cardiomyopathy 
was made. The doctor discusses with Tom the need
 o do invasive heart monitoring.

How is invasive heart monitoring achieved?
Invasive heart monitoring can be accomplished
through a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter, also
known as the Swan-Ganz catheter.  

The PA catheter is inserted by the doctor.
The balloon near the tip is inflated as the
catheter is advanced through the right heart
 chambers and into the pulmonary artery.

Learn more : Hemodynamic monitoring

Scenario 2: Tom is placed in Trendelenburg
position to make insertion of the PA catheter
easy. Sterile gloves and equipment are used
to accomplish this.

What can be determined from the tracings
from inserting a  PA catheter?
The tracings shown in the image above are examples
of what you would expect to see as the PA catheter
is inserted. As the catheter is advanced through
the heart's chambers and even when in place, the
CVP (right atrium) pressure, (RVP ) right ventricle 
pressure, PAP (pulmonary artery pressure), and
pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PCWP) can be read.

Learn more about: The Circulatory System