Pulmonary Artery Catheter (Swan-Ganz Catheter)

A Pulmonary Artery Catheter, commonly known as a Swan-Ganz catheter, is a thin, flexible tube inserted into a large vein and guided into the heart and pulmonary artery. It provides real-time measurements of heart function, blood pressure in the lungs, and blood oxygen levels. This allows doctors to closely monitor patients with severe heart or lung conditions, helping them make informed treatment decisions. The catheter is typically used in critical care settings to assess complex cases, manage fluid therapy, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for conditions like heart failure or shock.