Swan-Ganz catheter
A pulmonary artery catheter used for hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill cardiac patients.
Full Definition
The Swan-Ganz catheter, also known as a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), is an invasive monitoring device used to measure intracardiac pressures and cardiac output in critically ill patients. The catheter is inserted through a central venous access point and advanced through the right heart chambers into the pulmonary artery using balloon guidance. It provides real-time measurements of right atrial pressure, right ventricular pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (which reflects left atrial pressure), as well as cardiac output through thermodilution technique. While once commonly used in cardiac intensive care units, the use of Swan-Ganz catheters has declined due to lack of demonstrated mortality benefit and potential complications, with many centers now favoring less invasive hemodynamic monitoring methods.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Jeremy Swan and William Ganz; use has declined in favor of less invasive monitoring methods.
In Context
- "Swan-Ganz catheter monitoring revealed elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure consistent with cardiogenic shock." — ICU progress note
- "The decision to place a Swan-Ganz catheter was made to guide vasopressor therapy in this complex patient." — Critical care consultation