Cardiology Letters 2022, 31(4):236-248

Right heart catheterization - methodology, indications, focus on patients in cardiogenic shock

Kalvodová Z

I. kardiologickej klinika UPJŠ LF a VÚSCH, a. s., Košice, Slovenská republika

Right heart catheterization is a hemodynamic examination used since the 1970s. Over the 50 years of its existence it has undergone dynamic development. While it has an irreplaceable and specifically defined role in some indications, its use in patients in cardiogenic shock is less unambiguous. Cardiogenic shock is a serious clinical condition burdened with high mortality despite advances in treatment methods. Timely and accurate diagnosis of shock is the basis of its successful treatment. Data from mainly observational studies suggest that treatment based on complete hemodynamic monitoring using a pulmonary artery catheter leads to a reduction in mortality. At a time of expanding use of mechanical circulatory support devices, the data obtained by right heart catheterization appears to be a very good tool for deciding on initiation and subsequent escalation/ de-escalation of support. This review article provides basic information about the invasive examination itself, lists and explains the individual measured, as well as derived hemodynamic, parameters and the possibilities of their use. The article is mainly aimed at introducing the issue of the use of right heart catheterization in patients in cardiogenic shock.

Keywords: Right heart catheterization; hemodynamics; cardiogenic shock

Published: April 1, 2022  Show citation