Cardiac Catheterization Hemodynamics

Course overview

This course reviews cardiac hemodynamic measurement procedures, oxygen saturations, waveforms, and the use of Swan-Ganz catheters during cardiac catheterization. It will review definitions of cardiac function, such as cardiac index and output. It will also review valve disease and congenital defects, such as atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, and patent ductus arteriosus. Hemodynamics is a complex interplay of changing pressures and shifting volumes. Many variables influence hemodynamics, including anatomical structure, fluid status, and aspects of the vasculature. During this course, information will be provided on hemodynamic parameters often measured in the cardiac cath lab as well as some basic physiological processes that influence those parameters.