Final answer:
A Swan-Ganz catheter measures pulmonary artery pressures, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac output, and mixed venous oxygen saturation to provide detailed insights into the heart's function and guide treatment in critically ill patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Swan-Ganz catheter, also known as the pulmonary artery catheter, measures various aspects of the heart's function. It can provide information on pulmonary artery pressures, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac output, and mixed venous oxygen saturation. These measurements are crucial for managing complex heart and lung conditions, guiding therapy in critically ill patients, and monitoring the effects of certain medications.
What Exactly Does a Swan-Ganz Catheter Measure?
- Pulmonary artery pressures: These help assess the pressure in the right side of the heart and the lungs.
- Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure: This approximates the left atrial pressure and can indicate left ventricular function.
- Cardiac output: The overall performance of the heart in pumping blood.
- Mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2): A measure of the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption.