Purpose of a PAC

Thus far, we have covered invasive hemodynamic monitoring with arterial lines and CVP catheters. The Pulmonary Artery catheter (PAC) is another invasive way to obtain hemodynamic measurements.

The purpose of this catheter is to:

• Indirectly measure the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.
• Evaluate the hemodynamic treatments and measure the patient’s hemodynamic status.
• Draw mixed venous blood samples.
• Obtain central vascular pressures measurements.
• Measure cardiac output.
  

There are certain indications for using a PA catheter. They are:

• Conditions of shock such as septic and hypovolemic shock.
• Evaluation of fluid volume status.
• Evaluation of cardiac output in complex medical situations.
• Prophylactic insertion for high-risk surgeries.

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You may choose to view the YouTube video "Swan Ganz Numbers: presented by Dr. Gallagher's Neighborhood" for a quick and practical explanation of PAC utility.