The Pulmonary Artery Catheter: Methodology and Clinical Applications

Abstract

Since the introduction of the pulmonary arterial catheter to clinical medicine almost ten years ago, its use has grown enormously in a wide variety of patients. Thus, exposure to this type of catheter can be expected by physicians in many disciplines. Even if the actual insertion and manipulation of pulmonary arterial catheters are not part of one's daily activities, any physician involved in the care of the acutely ill patient requires a knowledge of the information gained from the placement of such a catheter. Thus, the book written by Dr Sprung and colleagues provides a compilation of important data and information of value to many medical practitioners. The book is clearly written and well organized. It is divided into two sections. The first deals with the methodology involved with the use of a pulmonary arterial catheter. Careful reading of this section will provide all of the information necessary to make