Pulmonary artery catheter

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Pulmonary Artery Catheter

A Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC), also known as a Swan-Ganz catheter (pronounced: Swan-Ganz kath-eh-ter), is a type of catheter inserted into the pulmonary artery. Its primary purpose is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the hemodynamics in the heart.

Etymology

The term "Pulmonary Artery Catheter" is derived from its function and location. "Pulmonary" refers to the lungs, "artery" is a type of blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart, and "catheter" is a thin tube used in medical procedures. The term "Swan-Ganz" is named after its inventors, Dr. Jeremy Swan and Dr. William Ganz.

Usage

The PAC is used in critical care settings to monitor the patient's hemodynamics, diagnose heart failure, and guide therapy. It is inserted through a central vein—often the internal jugular vein or the subclavian vein—and advanced into the right side of the heart, and then into the pulmonary artery.

Related Terms

  • Hemodynamics: The study of blood flow or the circulation.
  • Heart Failure: A condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
  • Internal Jugular Vein: A vein that collects blood from the brain, face, and neck.
  • Subclavian Vein: A vein that receives blood from the upper extremities and drains into the superior vena cava.

Risks

Like any invasive procedure, the use of a PAC carries potential risks. These include, but are not limited to, arrhythmia, pulmonary artery rupture, infection, and thrombosis.

External links

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