V Series Operating Instructions 11 - 15
Invasive Blood Pressure (IBP) Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP)
11.7 Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP)
Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP) is a pressure measurement derived from a PA catheter
when the PA distal balloon is inflated and the catheter advances and occludes a distal pulmonary
artery. PAWP pressure is a reflection of the pressure in the left ventricle at end-diastole.
NOTE: One of the channels must be labeled PA to measure PAWP.
11.7.1 Measuring PAWP
NOTE: To ensure accurate wedge pressure readings, rezero the PA pressure
channel and check the PA catheter for integrity, kinks and/or leaks prior
to measurement.
1. Select the PA digital or waveform tile.
2. Select the Zero button.
3. Select the PAWP button.
The PAWP dialog displays (as shown in FIGURE 11-14).
FIGURE 11-14 Example PAWP Dialog
4. Inflate balloon, then watch PA waveform for the wedge waveform.
NOTE: Follow manufacturer’s suggested procedures and hospital policy for
PAWP balloon inflation.
5. Once a satisfactory wedge waveform is detected, press the Measure button to freeze the
waveforms within the PAWP dialog.
6. Adjust the reference line to the estimated wedge measurement by selecting the
arrow buttons.