pulmonary artery occlusive pressure (PAoP); pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)

Indications

• used as a measure of
  • left atrial pressure
  • end-diastolic left ventricular filling pressure

Reference interval

• Normal range: 2-12 mm Hg.
• 15 mm Hg may be appropriate for patient with myocardial infarction

Clinical significance

• an elevated pulmonary artery occlusive pressure indicates pulmonary venous hypertension

Notes

• Factors diminishing the utility of PAoP:
  • positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)
    • pulmonary artery catheter must be in dependent region of the lungs
  • reduced left ventricular compliance

More general terms

• arterial pressure

Additional terms

• hemodynamic monitoring
• pulmonary capillary pressure (PCP)