Pulmonary artery catheterization in pediatric intensive care.

Pulmonary artery catheterization has become a routine part of pediatric intensive care even for small infants. Measured and derived variables provide clinicians with better understanding of the patient's cardiovascular and pulmonary systems and provide the means by which the results and complications of therapy may be monitored. While significant complications from pulmonary artery catheterization do occur, the risks are acceptable and warranted. Proper patient selection, strict attention to detail in all aspects of catheter use, and prompt removal will help to minimize complications.