Bedside pulmonary artery catheterization

Need for continuous monitoring of pulmonary artery (PA) and right atrial (RA) pressures, cardiac output, and mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO ₂ ), providing that:

• The data collected will help in the management of the patient

• The same measurements cannot be reliably obtained by a less invasive method

Absolute contraindications:

• Tricuspid or pulmonary valve endocarditis

Relative contraindications:

• Tricuspid or pulmonary valve mechanical prosthesis

• Right heart mass (thrombus and/or tumor)

• Complete left bundle branch block (risk of complete heart block)

Sterile gowns, gloves, and mask

8F to 9F gauge introducer

Sterile saline solution for flushing

Volume-limited syringe for pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) balloon

Pressure monitor transduction system and connector tubing