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ALL / Cardiology
Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) is measured using a balloon tipped Swan-Ganz catheter which is inserted into the pulmonary artery. The pressure measured is similar to that of the left atrium (normally 6-12 mmHg).One of the main uses of measuring the PCWP is determining whether pulmonary oedema is caused by either heart failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome.
In many modern ITU departments PCWP measurement has been replaced by non-invasive techniques.
+PassMedicine Notes
Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) is measured using a balloon tipped Swan-Ganz catheter which is inserted into the pulmonary artery. The pressure measured is similar to that of the left atrium (normally 6-12 mmHg).
One of the main uses of measuring the PCWP is determining whether pulmonary oedema is caused by either heart failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome.
In many modern ITU departments PCWP measurement has been replaced by non-invasive techniques.