Key result
Individualized PAC use suggests benefit notably in complex cardiac surgery patients.
Why the study?
To review recently published data on pulmonary artery catheter use in critically ill patients and consider optimal use in personalized clinical practice.
Does pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) use improve outcomes in critically ill patients?
Does pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) use improve outcomes in critically ill patients?
While overall use has declined, the pulmonary artery catheter remains a valuable tool for individualized hemodynamic management in select complex critically ill patients, particularly in cardiac surgery.
May support selective PAC use in complex cardiac surgery; leaves open need for RCTs to confirm broader efficacy.
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.
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Arias-Ortiz et al. (2023) conducted a review in Critically ill patients. Pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) was evaluated. Pulmonary artery catheter use should be individualized based on clinical context, with recent studies suggesting benefit notably in complex patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
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