The Utility of Invasive Hemodynamics in the Management of Cardiogenic Shock.

There is growing interest in the role and use of pulmonary artery catheters (PACs) in cardiogenic shock (CS). Observational evidence supports an association between use of PACs and improved survival, and specialty societies increasingly advocate for its use. The PAC is useful for early diagnosis, decisions surrounding escalation of care, and daily management. Despite this, its use in Canada is variable. Registries and trials collecting prospective data mandate invasive hemodynamics, and forthcoming evidence-based treatment strategies are likely to be tailored to hemodynamic phenotypes. Herein, we present the case for the routine use of PACs in the management of CS.