Waveform Interpretation: Left Atrial, Aortic, Peripheral Arteries, Left Ventricular
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Course Details
Credit/contact hours: .25
Estimated time to complete: 20 minutes
Publication Date: March 8, 2018
Expiration date: March 7, 2027
Reviewed: March 5, 2021
Description:
Recording hemodynamic pressures from the left atrium can be straightforward in the presence of certain abnormalities such as atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale, but will require trans-septal puncture in many patients. To properly interpret hemodynamic events, it is important to understand the limitations of using the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure as a surrogate for the left atrial pressure. When properly recorded, left atrial pressures can often provide critical diagnostic information that can guide appropriate care for patients and even help to avoid unnecessary procedures or operations.
Note: This course is eligible for ACPE credit.
You Will Learn
- To identify differences in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and left atrial pressure recordings.
- To identify patients in whom a left atrial pressure recording will provide important diagnostic information – especially if a trans-septal puncture is needed.
- To distinguish differences in amplitude and timing of pressure recordings made in various portions of the arterial tree.
- To define the typical features of the left ventricular pressure tracing, including LVEDP.
Method and medium:
Lawrence W Gimple, MD
Dr. Gimple is an attending cardiologist at the University of Virginia Health System with a sub-specialty in interventional cardiology. He serves as the Director of Clinical Cardiology at the University of Virginia Health System with clinical interests in coronary artery disease, coronary stenting, and heart attack.
DISCLOSURE: This individual reports no relevant financial relationships with commercial entities.
Michael Ragosta III, MD
Dr. Michael Ragosta is an attending cardiologist at the University of Virginia Health System with a sub-specialty in interventional cardiology. His clinical practice includes complex percutaneous coronary intervention, myocardial infarction, valvular heart disease, structural heart disease, and general cardiology. Dr. Ragosta is the Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at UVA and author of numerous textbooks related to cardiac catheterization and hemodynamic interpretation.
DISCLOSURE: This individual reports no relevant financial relationships with commercial entities.
