Swan-Ganz Catheters Cheatsheet

Because sometimes the ICU hands you numbers and expects you to just… understand them.

This EMS-focused Swan-Ganz Catheter Cheatsheet breaks down pulmonary artery catheter concepts into a clear, digestible format designed for providers who want to actually understand what those waveforms and pressures mean.

From cardiac output to wedge pressures, this guide simplifies hemodynamic monitoring without dumbing it down.

(Yes… your brain might still hurt a little. But in a good way.)

What’s Included

• Overview of the Swan-Ganz (Pulmonary Artery) catheter

• Clear explanation of:

  • Cardiac Output (CO) & Cardiac Index (CI)

  • PCWP, CVP, PVR, SVR

  • SvO₂ and perfusion concepts

• Step-by-step breakdown of:

  • Right Atrium (RA) waveform

  • Right Ventricle (RV) waveform

  • Pulmonary Artery (PA) waveform

  • Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP)

• Normal pressure ranges for each location

• Clinical interpretation pearls:

  • Right heart failure

  • Pulmonary hypertension

  • Left-sided heart failure

  • Hypovolemia vs fluid overload

📄 Format: PDF download
📱 Use: Digital or print-friendly

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This resource is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace local protocols, medical direction, or clinical judgment. Always follow your agency’s policies and medical oversight.