title: Mobility and Ambulation for Patients with Pulmonary Artery Catheters: A Retrospective Descriptive Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purposes of this retrospective study are to: 1) describe the amount and type of documented mobility activity for patients with an indwelling Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC) and 2) document the frequency and type of complications that occur with an indwelling PAC during patient participation in these activities.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a single-center, retrospective, descriptive study including all patients (>18 years) between June 2010 and October 2012 with an indwelling PAC in the Cardiology Intensive Care Unit (CICU). Data was extracted on all documented mobility activity each of these patients performed with nursing or during skilled treatments provided by a physical therapist (PT), or occupational therapist (OT). Any notation of PAC-related complications while the PAC was in place was recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the CICU over a 29-month period, 366 patients with indwelling PACs performed bed mobility, transfers, ambulation and climbed stairs with no reports of PAC complications during or in relation to participation in mobility activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data suggests that participation in mobility activities does not place patients with an indwelling PAC at increased risk of PAC related complications. This data further supports the involvement of rehabilitation specialists in the CICU. Future prospective research is necessary to measure the effects of physical therapy treatment on patients with indwelling PAC.
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy Clinical Specialist, Cardiovascular Team, University of Michigan Hospital, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48109.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fields
authors.affiliation: Staff Physical Therapist, University of Michigan Hospital, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
authors.forename: Alyssa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trotsky
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy Clinical Specialist, Cardiovascular Team, University of Michigan Hospital, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48109.
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fernandez
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor of Research, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 155, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9006.
authors.forename: Beth A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Smith