How to insert a pulmonary arterial flotation catheter.

: In some cases of acute cardiorespiratory failure rational therapy is only possible with detailed information about the circulation, including pulmonary vascular pressures and cardiac output. This information can be obtained from a pulmonary arterial flotation catheter but the associated complications are potentially lethal. This article gives a concise guide to the insertion of pulmonary arterial flotation catheters with the emphasis on points of safety that should minimize the risk to the patient.