Final answer:
A Swan-Ganz catheter can measure pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac output, central venous pressure, and blood oxygen saturation. It's an invasive tool used mainly in critical care settings to monitor the heart's function and manage complex conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Swan-Ganz catheter is a specialized device used primarily in intensive care to measure various types of cardiovascular pressures. This catheter is inserted through a vein in the neck or groin and threaded into the pulmonary artery. The Swan-Ganz catheter can measure a number of cardiovascular parameters, including:
- Pulmonary artery pressure
- Cardiac output
- Central venous pressure (CVP)
- Blood oxygen saturation
These measurements are crucial for assessing the heart's function and for managing complex medical conditions. They are particularly useful for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and for those undergoing major surgery.
Although a Swan-Ganz catheter can help measure blood pressure, its capabilities extend beyond just measuring the pressure in the larger vessels. By providing detailed information on pulmonary artery pressure and cardiac output, healthcare providers can make more informed decisions about treatments and interventions.