The pulmonary artery catheter

Only a small number of acutely ill patients require a PAC and insertion should be individualized based on clinical context, availability of trained staff, and the possibility that measured variables will be able to help guide therapy.

Automated summary

Only a few acutely ill patients require a PAC, and the decision to insert it should be based on clinical context, availability of trained staff, and the potential benefits of measured variables in guiding therapy.