Role of pulmonary artery catheterization in diagnosing types of shock

ABSTRACT

We report this case to demonstrate the role of pulmonary Artery Catheters [Swam Ganz catheters] in guiding the management of acutely ill patients in a state of shock. The patient is a 79-years old Bahraini male with multiple medical problems such as ischemic heart disease, left bundle branch block, congestive heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy and renal impairment who was admitted with an acute abdomen and required emergency surgery. Postoperatively he was unstable hemodynamically and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for close observation and further management. A pulmonary artery catheter [PA catheter] was inserted and the patient was managed according to the hemodynamic variables as is discussed