Pulmonary artery catheterisation
The PAC remains a valuable diagnostic tool provided it is used in the right patients and the appropriate clinical setting. It provides the ability to monitor numerous haemodynamic variables related to left and right heart function continuously, simultaneously and objectively. Correct insertion, positioning and appreciation of waveform interactions is essential for the subsequent interpretation of measurements obtained. Right heart catheterisation is a fundamental requirement for both accurate diagnosis and classification of pulmonary hypertension. There are absolute and relative contraindications, and the PAC should only be deployed under close supervision of individuals experienced in its use.
