What is a PA catheter?
~ A PA catheter is a flow-directed, balloon-tipped catheter, a.k.a. the Swan-Ganz.
PA = pulmonary artery.
What does a PA catheter measure?
~ A PA catheter measures pressures in the right atrium, pulmonary artery, and left ventricle. It is used to evaluate left ventricular and overall cardiac function.
Where is it placed?
~ The catheter is inserted into a central vein and threaded into the right atrium.
A small balloon allows the catheter to be drawn into the right ventricle and from there into the pulmonary artery.
Once in place, the balloon, on the tip of the catheter, is deflated and the multiple lumens of the catheter allow measurement of pressures in the right atrium, pulmonary artery, and left ventricle.
~ A PA catheter is a flow-directed, balloon-tipped catheter, a.k.a. the Swan-Ganz.
PA = pulmonary artery.
What does a PA catheter measure?
~ A PA catheter measures pressures in the right atrium, pulmonary artery, and left ventricle. It is used to evaluate left ventricular and overall cardiac function.
Where is it placed?
~ The catheter is inserted into a central vein and threaded into the right atrium.
A small balloon allows the catheter to be drawn into the right ventricle and from there into the pulmonary artery.
Once in place, the balloon, on the tip of the catheter, is deflated and the multiple lumens of the catheter allow measurement of pressures in the right atrium, pulmonary artery, and left ventricle.