Swan-Ganz Catheterization--application, interpretation and complications.

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.