PAWP is pulmonary artery wedge pressure.
How is PAWP obtained?
~ The measurement of PAWP is obtained by slowly inflating the balloon with 1.5 mL of air while observing the distal lumen pressure tracing. As the line becomes “wedged,” the tracing changes shape and amplitude. When the tracing changes from arterial to atrial, the catheter is said to be wedged and PAWP is measured at the end of expiration.
- Measures pressures generated by the left ventricle.
- Used to assess left ventricular function.
Normal PAWP is 8-12 mmHg.
- PAWP is increased in left ventricular failure and pericardial tamponade.
- It is decreased in hypovolemia.
~ PAWP reflects Left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) under normal conditions, that is, when LVEDP (ventricular preload) is increased, PAWP is increased also.