Influence of mechanical ventilation and pulmonary disease on pulmonary artery pressure monitoring.

Mechanical ventilation and respiratory disease impose both theoretical and practical limitations on the interpretation of hemodynamic measurements. To properly interpret such information a thorough understanding of the circulatory changes associated with normal breathing, mechanical ventilation and respiratory disease is vital. There are a variety of factors involved in patients with obstructive lung disease and those receiving mechanical ventilation that complicate the usual interpretation of hemodynamic data obtained from flow-directed catheters. An awareness of the potential pitfalls of hemodynamic monitoring in such situations is important in the efficient use of the hemodynamic data obtained.