The pulmonary artery catheter.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review recently published data on pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) use in critically ill patients and consider optimal use of the PAC in personalized clinical practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although PAC use has decreased considerably since the mid-1990s, PAC-derived variables can still have an important role in elucidating hemodynamic status and directing management in complex patients. Recent studies have suggested benefit, notably in patients having cardiac surgery.

SUMMARY

Only a small number of acutely ill patients require a PAC and insertion should be individualized based on clinical context, availability of trained staff, and the possibility that measured variables will be able to help guide therapy.