Right heart catheterization: Difference between revisions

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[[File:RightHeart_Technique_Fig3.jpg | thumb | left | 300px | Figure 3. Right heart catheterization from the femoral vein<cite>Braunwald</cite>]]
[[File:RightHeart_Technique_Fig3.svg | thumb | left | 300px | Figure 3. Right heart catheterization from the femoral vein<cite>Braunwald</cite>]]
Top row: the PAC is placed in the right atrium aimed at the lateral wall. Counterclockwise rotation aims the catheter posteriorly and allows advancement into the superior vena cava.  
Top row: the PAC is placed in the right atrium aimed at the lateral wall. Counterclockwise rotation aims the catheter posteriorly and allows advancement into the superior vena cava.  
Centre row: the catheter is then withdrawn into the right atrium and aimed laterally. Clockwise rotation causes the tip to cross the tricuspid valve. With the tip in a horizontal position, it is positioned below the right ventricular outflow tract. Additional clockwise rotation causes the catheter to point straight up,  allowing it to advance into the pulmonary artery and from there into the right pulmonary artery.
Centre row: the catheter is then withdrawn into the right atrium and aimed laterally. Clockwise rotation causes the tip to cross the tricuspid valve. With the tip in a horizontal position, it is positioned below the right ventricular outflow tract. Additional clockwise rotation causes the catheter to point straight up,  allowing it to advance into the pulmonary artery and from there into the right pulmonary artery.