Fig. 1. Evidence model for literature review. The outcomes (benefits, harms, costs) listed in this model represent the potential effects of pulmonary artery catheterization identified by the Task Force before performing its literature review. The literature review was organized around this model to determine whether evidence existed to validate the potential benefits and harms that it had identified. Supporting evidence was found only for those linkages identified by an asterisk . Linkages not identified by an asterisk, which represent potential benefits that have not been studied, define important priorities for future research. 1indicates a decreased incidence of myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, congestive heart failures; 2indicates length of surgery, duration of stay in postanesthesia care unit and ICU, and total hospital stay; 3indicates, for example, trauma, infection, dysrhythmias due to catheterization.