Invasive Cardiopulmonary Hemodynamic Assessment in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure: How to Interpret?

Abstract

Invasive cardiopulmonary hemodynamic assessment by means of a pulmonary artery catheter is an important tool for evaluating patients with advanced heart failure. It makes it possible to definitively diagnose pulmonary hypertension and, when pulmonary hypertension is present, to classify it as isolated post-capillary or combined pre- and post-capillary. Its use is mandatory in evaluation for heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory assist device implantation. Furthermore, it can be very useful in the management of cardiogenic shock.