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pulmonary vascular resistance
The resistance against blood flow through the pulmonary circulation, measured as PVR.
Full Definition
A calculated hemodynamic parameter that quantifies the opposition to blood flow through the pulmonary vasculature, expressed in Wood units or dyne⋅s⋅cm⁻⁵. PVR is calculated as (mean pulmonary artery pressure - left atrial pressure) divided by cardiac output. Elevated PVR indicates pulmonary hypertension and significantly impacts anesthetic management, particularly during cardiac surgery. High PVR increases right heart workload and can lead to acute right heart failure, especially during periods of hypoxemia, hypercarbia, or acidosis. Normal PVR is <3 Wood units.
Usage
Usage note: Specify units (Wood units or dyne⋅s⋅cm⁻⁵) when documenting values.
In Context
- "The patient's pulmonary vascular resistance was elevated at 6.2 Wood units preoperatively." — Cardiac catheterization report
- "Nitric oxide was administered to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance during bypass separation." — Operative note
Also known as
PVR
Don't confuse with
systemic vascular resistance
transpulmonary gradient