The Pulmonary Artery Catheter in 2014: Past, Present, and Is There a Future?

Abstract

Learning Objectives: As a result of completing this activity, the participant will be able to Explain the evidence base (or lack thereof) for pulmonary artery catheter use Discuss complications and risks associated with pulmonary artery catheters Describe the various waveform components on central venous pressure and pulmonary artery catheter tracings and describe their physiological basis Measure intracardiac pressure and understand how the interpretation of waveforms and pressures may assist with diagnostic and therapeutic decisions