Swan-Ganz catheter
A balloon-tipped pulmonary artery catheter used for hemodynamic monitoring during cardiac procedures.
Full Definition
A Swan-Ganz catheter is a flow-directed, balloon-tipped catheter inserted through the central venous system into the pulmonary artery for comprehensive hemodynamic assessment. Named after its inventors Harold Swan and William Ganz, the catheter provides measurements of central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and cardiac output. In cardiothoracic anesthesia, it assists in managing complex cardiac cases, fluid balance, and vasoactive drug titration. Modern alternatives include less invasive monitoring systems, but the Swan-Ganz remains relevant for select high-risk cases.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize and hyphenate eponymous term; acceptable to use 'PA catheter' in subsequent references.
In Context
- "A Swan-Ganz catheter was placed for hemodynamic monitoring during the high-risk procedure." — anesthetic record
- "Cardiac output measurements via Swan-Ganz catheter guided fluid management." — clinical note