The pulmonary artery catheter: in medio virtus.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the role of the pulmonary artery catheter in the intensive care unit.


METHODS
Recent and relevant literature from MEDLINE and authors' personal databases.


METHODS
Studies on pulmonary artery catheter use and use of other monitoring devices in critically ill patients.


METHODS
Based largely on clinical experience and assessment of the relevant published literature and in response to recent articles attacking the pulmonary artery catheter, we propose that the pulmonary artery catheter is still a valuable tool for the hemodynamic monitoring of patients with complex disease processes in whom the information obtained from the pulmonary artery catheter may influence management. We suggest that there is a need to revisit the basics of hemodynamic management and reassess the way in which the pulmonary artery catheter is used, applying three key principles: correct measurement, correct data interpretation, and correct application.


CONCLUSIONS
The pulmonary artery catheter is still a valuable tool for hemodynamic monitoring when used in selected patients and by physicians adequately trained to correctly interpret and apply the data provided.
Vincent
Jean-Louis
JL
Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. jlvincen@ulb.ac.be
Pinsky
Michael R
MR
Sprung
Charles L
CL
Levy
Mitchell
M
Marini
John J
JJ
Payen
Didier
D
Rhodes
Andrew
A
Takala
Jukka
J
D002407:Catheterization, Swan-Ganz; D016638:Critical Illness; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods*