Is There a Need for a Pulmonary Artery Catheter in Cardiac Surgery Today?

Abstract

Pulmonary artery catheters are a useful tool for hemodynamic monitoring in high-risk patients during surgery and while in intensive care. However, there are major risks inherent to the device, and with modern day technology, their routine use has decreased. We discuss the need for routine insertion of pulmonary artery catheters in cardiac surgery. We also present a case of a left ventricular assist device implantation complicated by serious pulmonary hemorrhage due to pulmonary artery catheter insertion, highlighting the potentially life-threatening risks involved.

Keywords: cardiac anesthesia; cardiac surgery; cost for left ventricular assist devices; heart failure; hemorrhage; intraoperative assessment; intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography.