Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) is used to estimate which pressure?

Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) is used to estimate which pressure?

• A. Right atrial pressure
• B. Left atrial pressure
• C. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure
• D. Right ventricular end-diastolic pressure

Answer: (B)

Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is an indirect measure of the pressures on the left side of the heart. By wedging a balloon-tipped catheter in a small branch of the pulmonary artery, the blood flow is occluded and the pressure recorded beyond the balloon reflects the pressure in the pulmonary capillaries that are in continuity with the left atrium. Because there is no significant a pressure drop between the wedged position and the left atrium, this wedged pressure closely estimates left atrial pressure (and thus left-sided filling pressures). It does not measure right atrial pressure, right ventricular end-diastolic pressure, or the systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery.

Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is an indirect measure of the pressures on the left side of the heart. By wedging a balloon-tipped catheter in a small branch of the pulmonary artery, the blood flow is occluded and the pressure recorded beyond the balloon reflects the pressure in the pulmonary capillaries that are in continuity with the left atrium. Because there is no significant a pressure drop between the wedged position and the left atrium, this wedged pressure closely estimates left atrial pressure (and thus left-sided filling pressures). It does not measure right atrial pressure, right ventricular end-diastolic pressure, or the systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery.