What role today for hemodynamic monitoring? When is this procedure indicated? How much training is required?

Hemodynamic monitoring is an important adjunct to clinical evaluation. Nevertheless, it should not be performed unless the derived data are needed to establish a diagnosis or guide treatment. Successful use of the flotation catheter requires technical skill in insertion and maintenance, knowledge of cardiopulmonary physiology, an understanding of potential complications (and their avoidance), and the ability to correctly interpret and apply results. To maintain competence, physicians should perform at least 50 procedures a year. It is unlikely that a large clinical trial of the general efficacy of hemodynamic monitoring could ever be conducted; however, more limited studies could help define the role of this procedure in certain settings.