CVP tracing


  • a wave is first upstroke following p wave on ECG
  • a wave: atrium contraction
  • c wave: closure of TV
  • v wave: filling of atrium with closed TV
  • CVP is assessed at base of c wave
  • If c wave is not seen, then mean of peak and trough of a wave is used

  • in spontaneously breathing patient: read from peak (lowest intrathoracic pressure point = highest level)
  • vented patient: read from trough (highest intrathoracic pressure) Not sure if this logic is correct 1

Footnotes

  1. CHEST Board Review Critical Care?