Considering the wide use of Swan-Ganz catheter monitoring, remarkably little serious
morbidity and mortality has been reported. It is my belief that continued formal training
in this technique is the best way to minimize the complication rate. Since its use
involves far more important skills than the ability to insert a catheter into the
venous circulation, the physician must not only know the indications and limitations
but must also be prepared to recognize and treat its potential complications. He must
be familiar with the calibration of manometers and amplifiers and he must be competent
in the interpretation of pressure curves and the determination of therapeutic consequences.
However, in spite of the importance of continued formal training, PA catheterization
should never become a routine technique. Inappropriate application and subsequent
overuse of Swan-Ganz catheter monitoring must be avoided. It should be used only when
precise hemodynamic data cannot be derived from non-invasive or clinical evaluation.
Swan-Ganz catheter - Monitoring - Indications - Interpretation - Complications
