The risks of pulmonary arterial catheterization.

Pulmonary arterial catheters have been widely accepted as useful for monitoring the critically ill patient. New modifications allowing transvenous cardiac pacing, Hiss bundle electrocardiography and continuous monitoring of mixed venous saturation promise to increase the acceptance and use of these catheters. The 52 per cent combined major and minor complication rate documented in this study suggest that enthusiasm for pulmonary arterial catheterization should be tempered with caution. Serious complications and death do occur with these devices and may be more frequent than previously recognized. Use of a pulmonary arterial catheter should be undertaken for defined indications, with a reasonable expectation of benefit from the data obtained and with a clear understanding of the risks involved.