Pulmonary Artery Catheter Introduced into Clinical Practice

1970s

Rolling into the 1970s, Drs. H.J.C. Swan and William Ganz of Los Angeles introduced the pulmonary artery catheter into clinical practice, and the CSITT changed its name to the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT), as they are known today.

In Toronto, Canadians witnessed the completion of the world’s tallest freestanding building at the time: the CN Tower. At this time, seat belts became mandatory and the compact disc was invented, although they would not be widely used until sometime thereafter. The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin and Eric Clapton serenaded us, while entertaining TV shows and movies included M*A*S*H, Happy Days, Three’s Company, Jaws and Grease.

1970

• CSITT becomes the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapy
• Dr’s H.J.C. Swan and William Ganz of Los Angeles introduce the pulmonary artery catheter into clinical practice