Final answer:
The Swan-Ganz catheter is used to measure heart and lung pressures, assess cardiac function, and manage complex conditions in critically ill patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Swan-Ganz catheter is a specialized device used in medicine to measure the pressure in the heart and lungs. This catheter, typically inserted through a vein in the neck or groin, is guided into the chambers of the heart and into the pulmonary artery. Its primary function is to monitor pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac output, and to determine the mixed venous blood oxygen saturation. This data is crucial for assessing the cardiac function, especially in critically ill patients or those undergoing major surgery.
The information obtained from the Swan-Ganz catheter allows physicians to diagnose heart failure, sepsis, monitor therapy in cardiogenic shock, and manage fluid therapy precisely. It plays a critical role in the management of complex cardiac and respiratory conditions, making it an indispensable tool in intensive care units.