Physio-Control LIFEPAK 15 - Manual (Page 104)

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LIFEPAK 15 Monitor/Defibrillator Operating Instructions
Monitoring Invasive Pressure
For general troubleshooting tips, see Table 10-2 on page 10-18.
Catheter whip (fling) artifact
Pulmonary Artery Excessive catheter
movement. Motion of the
catheter tip within the
vessel accelerates fluid
movement in the catheter,
causing artifact to be
superimposed on the
pressure wave, increasing
readings by 10–20 mmHg. • Change catheter tip position.
• Use mean pressure values
(mean pressure is less
affected by extremes and
therefore reflects a more
accurate reading).
Permanent Pulmonary Wedge
Pressure (PWP) tracing
(wedge tracing persists after
balloon deflation) Catheter tip partially clotted • Use syringe to aspirate, and
then flush.
Catheter migrated distally
in pulmonary artery • Observe PA waveform before
balloon inflation. Flattening of
the waveform could indicate
wedging with balloon deflated.
Turn patient side to side in
Trendelenburg position, or
stimulate cough in attempt to
dislodge catheter.
• Retract catheter with balloon
deflated until proper position
is obtained.
• Minimize chances of catheter
advancement by firmly
anchoring catheter at insertion
site.
Failure to obtain PWP Malposition of catheter tip • Reposition catheter.
Leak in balloon.
Ruptured balloon. • Replace catheter.
Progressive elevation of PWP Overinflation • Inflate balloon in small
increments while watching
scope for confirmation of
wedging. Use only enough air
to wedge. Do not use more
than the volume
recommended by the
manufacturer.
Catheter migrated distally
in pulmonary artery • Reposition catheter.
Table 4-8 Troubleshooting Tips for IP Monitoring (Continued)
OBSERVATION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION