What infusion-related problems can be reduced by pulmonary artery catheterization?

Under normal circumstances, pulmonary artery catheterization can address several issues related to intravenous infusion, such as reducing vascular injuries caused by incorrect infusion placement, avoiding complications due to inappropriate infusion rates, lowering infection risks, decreasing thrombus formation, and optimizing fluid balance management. The specific benefits are as follows:

1. Reducing vascular injury caused by incorrect infusion placement

Pulmonary artery catheterization enables precise placement of the catheter into the pulmonary artery, thereby avoiding damage to surrounding blood vessels caused by improper infusion positioning. This improves the safety and accuracy of intravenous infusion and reduces vascular complications caused by incorrect infusion placement.

2. Avoiding complications caused by inappropriate infusion rates

With pulmonary artery catheterization, healthcare providers can more accurately control the infusion rate, ensuring fluids are administered according to the patient's actual needs. This helps prevent complications such as pulmonary edema and heart failure that may result from infusion rates that are either too fast or too slow.

3. Lowering the risk of infection

Pulmonary artery catheterization reduces the need for frequent changes in infusion sites, thereby lowering the risk of infection associated with repeated punctures. During catheterization, strict aseptic techniques should be followed, dressings should be changed regularly, and the patient's temperature and blood parameters should be closely monitored to promptly detect and manage any infections.

4. Reducing thrombus formation

Pulmonary artery catheterization allows for continuous monitoring of hemodynamic parameters, enabling timely detection and management of abnormalities that may lead to thrombus formation. Anticoagulant medications such as heparinized saline can be continuously administered through the catheter infusion port to prevent clot formation.

5. Optimizing fluid balance management

Pulmonary artery catheterization enables real-time monitoring of hemodynamic parameters such as pulmonary artery wedge pressure, providing healthcare providers with accurate information regarding fluid balance. This helps prevent both fluid overload and fluid deficiency, maintaining proper fluid balance within the body and reducing complications caused by improper fluid management.

Strict adherence to operational protocols is essential during use, along with close monitoring of the patient's condition and prompt management of any related complications.