What does a Swan-Ganz catheter allow for the direct measurement of?

A Swan-Ganz catheter, also known as a pulmonary artery catheter, is a specialized tool used in clinical settings to monitor precise cardiac hemodynamics. This catheter facilitates the direct measurement of various pressures within the cardiovascular system.

The primary measurement obtained via the Swan-Ganz catheter is pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), which indirectly reflects left atrial pressure. This measurement is invaluable for assessing left ventricular function and diagnosing conditions such as heart failure. By advancing the catheter into the pulmonary artery, clinicians can also gain insights into central venous pressure (CVP) and left ventricular pressure indirectly through associated parameters.

The capability of the Swan-Ganz catheter to measure these different pressures makes it a versatile tool for managing and monitoring patients with complex cardiac conditions, which is why it is accurate to state that the correct answer encompasses all these measurement abilities.