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A Swan‐Ganz catheter during cardiac surgery offers peri‐operative haemodynamic monitoring, although insertion of these catheters is not without risk. We report a case of Swan‐Ganz catheter entrapment within the tricuspid valve during elective off‐pump coronary artery bypass surgery. The diagnosis was made immediately by transoesophageal echocardiography, thus preventing forced withdrawal of the catheter. Intra‐operatively, the echocardiographically detected findings of complex entrapment was confirmed. The Swan‐Ganz catheter was tightly wrapped around the subvalvular apparatus, requiring on‐pump open surgical removal. This case illustrates the anatomical complexity of such a catheter entrapment around the tricuspid valve apparatus and the importance of rapid echocardiographic diagnosis to prevent iatrogenic damage.

The year 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the landmark publication on the bedside clinical use of a flow-directed catheter. The catheter, now known as the Swan-Ganz catheter, truly revolutionized practice and care of the critically ill. Use of the catheter proliferated nearly without rigorous validation or evidence base until a moratorium was called in regard to its use. This article describes the history of the development of the Swan-Ganz catheter, its uses, and its near downfall. The authors, both involved in educating clinicians in the use of the pulmonary artery catheter, hope that telling this story shares tribal knowledge and lessons learned with newer generations of nurses who did not experience the explosion of development and knowledge in the area of hemodynamic monitoring. Partly because of advances in technology, and the catheter’s application for heart failure in particular, use of the pulmonary catheter is being resurrected.

Background Simultaneous left ventricular (LV) and aortic (Ao) pressure gradient assessment has been rendered challenging since the recall of the Langston catheter. Here we describe a simple method for simultaneous LV and Ao pressure gradient assessment using a Swan-Ganz catheter. Case summary We describe two cases where assessment of simultaneous left ventricle and Ao valve gradients was done using a Swan-Ganz catheter to assess the degree of Ao stenosis and dynamic LV outflow obstruction. Discussion Using Swan-Ganz catheter assessment of simultaneous left ventricle and Ao valve gradients can simplify the procedure with reduced cost and increased patient safety.

The aim of the present investigation was to retrospectively evaluate the utilization of Swan-Ganz catheter during orthotopic liver transplantation as opposed to FloTrac/Vigileo in selected cases, comparing a number of clinical outcomes across postoperative hospitalization.Before 2015 all recipients received pulmonary artery catheter (Swan-Ganz group, n = 109). After 2015 Swan-Ganz was used only if coronary artery disease or high-grade portal hypertension or Child-Pugh C were present; the remaining recipients were assigned to FloTrac/Vigileo monitoring (Mini group, n =100). A number of clinical outcomes were considered.Donor's Risk Index was similar between groups (median value 1.7, P = .27). Anthropometric characteristics of the recipients were similar in the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients with Child-Pugh C (P = .873), coronary artery disease (P = .18), and grade of portal hypertension (P = .733). The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was slightly higher in the Mini group: (9 [7-11] vs 9 [8-12], Swan-Ganz vs Mini, respectively, P .035). Swan-Ganz utilization decreased over time (92% vs 26%, Swan-Ganz vs Mini, P .001). Upon admission to the intensive care unit, patients of the Mini group presented a higher SAPS II score with similar values of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. Days on mechanical ventilation were similar between groups. The incidence of graft failure was similar between groups (2% vs 5%, Swan-Ganz and Mini group respectively, P = .376). Recipients' hospital length of stay was similar (13 days [11-19] vs 14 [11-20], P .083).Our data suggest that the intraoperative utilization of FloTrac/Vigileo for oncologic patients with low grade end stage liver disease is reasonably safe.

espanolIntroduccion: La cirugia mediante mini-toracotomia lateral presenta ventajas comparativas sobre el acceso convencional comomenor trauma quirurgico, reducida morbimortalidad y un resultado estetico superior, pero plantea dificultades en caso denecesitar estimulacion electrica temporal.Objetivo: Valorar el empleo terapeutico del cateter de Swan-Ganz con marcapasos incorporado como solucion a dicho problemay analizar sus complicaciones.Material y metodos: Se incluyeron pacientes programados para cirugia mini-invasiva mitral mediante mini-toracotomia lateral.Se definio empleo terapeutico del cateter al uso debido a bradiarritmias o trastornos de conduccion o necesidad de incrementarla frecuencia cardiaca con fines hemodinamicos. Pacientes intervenidos de urgencia o emergencia, fueron excluidos del estudio.Resultados: Fueron incluidos 517 pacientes (289 de sexo masculino, con edad promedio de 68,3 ± 10,4 anos); se efectuaron 115(22,2%) reemplazos y 402 (77,7%) plasticas mitrales. Simultaneamente, se realizaron 294 (56,9%) procedimientos de Maze, 182(35,2%) cierres de orejuela izquierda, 9 (1,7%) cierres de defectos septales y 14 (2,7%) plasticas tricuspideas. Ciento sesenta ydos (313%) pacientes necesitaron ser marcapaseados; debido a bradiarritmias, 85 (52,47%) pacientes; por trastornos de conduccion,50 (30,86%) pacientes; mientras que otros 27 (16,66%) requirieron incrementar su frecuencia debido a bajo volumenminuto. La mortalidad resulto de 12 (2,32%) casos. Catorce (2,7%) pacientes presentaron perdida de captura y se resolvieroncon el reposicionamiento del cateter, mientras que 2 (0,6%) pacientes presentaron atrapamiento y requirieron reintervencion.Conclusiones: Casi un tercio de los pacientes intervenidos mediante mini-toracotomia lateral requirieron del empleo terapeuticodel cateter de Swan-Ganz con marcapasos. Dos pacientes presentaron atrapamiento y requirieron resolucion quirurgica. EnglishThe use of a lateral mini-thoracotomy presents several advantages over the standard access, such as less surgical trauma, reduced morbidity and mortality, shorter recovery time and better cosmetic results, but presents difficulties iftemporary pacing is required.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic use of a Swan-Ganz catheter with pacing capabilities andanalyze its complications.Methods: Patients undergoing scheduled minimally invasive mitral valve surgery through lateral mini-thoracotomy wereincluded in the study. Therapeutic use of the pacing catheter was defined as the need for pacing due to bradyarrhythmiasor conduction disorders or need of increasing heart rate in case of hemodynamic instability. Patients undergoing urgent oremergency surgery were excluded from the study.Results: A total of 517 patients were included in the study; mean age was 68.3 ± 10.4 years and 289 (55.9%) were men; 115 patients(22.2%) underwent mitral valve replacement and 402 (77.7%) mitral valve repair. The following concomitant procedureswere carried out: 294 (56.9%) Maze procedures, 182 (35.2%) left atrial appendage closures, 9 (1.7%) atrial septal defect closuresand 14 (2.7%) tricuspid valve repair surgeries. In the postoperative period 162 (31.3%) patients required pacing due to bradyarrhythmiasin 85 cases (52.47%), conduction disorders in 50 (30.86%), and need to increase heart rate in 27 (16.66%) patientswith low cardiac output syndrome. Postoperative mortality was 2.32% (n=12). Fourteen (2.7%) patients presented loss of capturethat was resolved with catheter repositioning, while 2 (0.6%) patients presented catheter entrapment requiring reintervention.Conclusion: Almost one-third of the patients undergoing lateral mini-thoracotomy required therapeutic use of the pacingSwan-Ganz catheter. Two patients presented catheter entrapment and required surgical reintervention

Background: The measurement of core body temperature in the pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz catheter) is regarded as the reference standard. Nowadays, new non-invasive methods of measuring core temperature have emerged, such as the 3M SpotOn® and the Dräger Tcore® sensor. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on patients undergoing scheduled cardiac surgery. Both devices, and the Swan-Ganz catheter, were simultaneously evaluated. The correlation of temperature values was measured using the intra-class correlation coefficient and Spearman's rank or Pearson correlation analysis. The repeated-measurements version of the Bland and Altman test were used to determine the level of agreement. Results: A total of 289 measurements were made. Analysis of Spearman rank correlation between the Swan-Ganz catheter and 3M SpotOn® pair yielded a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.82 [95% confidence interval (95% CI); 0.77–0.85, p

Background Early mobilization of patients in the intensive care unit can be beneficial, but evidence is insufficient to indicate whether allowing patients with an indwelling pulmonary artery catheter to walk is safe. Objective To describe the physiological and emotional responses to ambulation in patients with heart failure and a pulmonary artery catheter. Methods This prospective, descriptive study included 19 patients with heart failure monitored with a pulmonary artery catheter in a cardiac intensive care unit. Each patient, accompanied by a nurse, walked with continuous observation of heart rate and rhythm and pulmonary artery tracing on a transport monitor. Pulmonary artery catheter position and waveform, arrhythmias, and perceived levels of exertion and fatigue were recorded before and after each walk. The distance ambulated was documented. One to 3 times per week, nurses administered a questionnaire addressing patients’ sense of well-being. Results The 19 patients had 303 walks (range, 1–68; median, 7). During 7 patient walks (2.4%), catheter migration of 1 to 5 cm occurred, but no arrhythmias or waveform changes were observed. Changes in exertion and fatigue were significant (P < .001, paired t test), but levels of both were minimal after walking. Patients expressed physical and emotional benefits of walking. Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence that for hemodynamically stable patients with heart failure, ambulating with a pulmonary artery catheter is safe and enhances their sense of well-being. The presence of an indwelling pulmonary artery catheter should not preclude walking.

We describe a case of pulmonary tumor embolism (PTE) from breast cancer diagnosed by selective aspiration cytology using a Swan-Ganz catheter. A 60-year-old woman was referred to Hamanomachi Hospital because of increased levels of tumor markers. The patient complained only of slight exertional dyspnea and a dry cough. Due to breast cancer, she had undergone a mastectomy followed by radiation and chemotherapy one year earlier. Positron emission tomography scanning with CT images revealed no evidence of malignancy. Repeated chest CT images showed emerging wedge-shaped nodules in the subpleural zones of the left lower lobe with diffuse ground-glass opacities in the bilateral lower lobes. The D-dimer level was negative. Pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy showed multiple small wedge-shaped defect areas on the peripheral sides of the bilateral lungs. Suspecting PTE, we performed selective aspiration cytology from the left pulmonary arteries. Cancer cells were detected from selected branches of left A8 and A9. Morphology and immunostaining led to a final diagnosis of PTE of recurrent breast cancer. Pulmonary embolism of cancer is a progressive, fatal condition with challenging diagnosis. Selective aspiration cytology with a Swan-Ganz catheter is a useful, less invasive option in patients with suspected PTE.

Background The Swan-Ganz catheter plays an important role in gaining understanding of cardiac pathophysiology and in the hemodynamic monitoring of critically ill patients. Difficult removal of the Swan-Ganz catheter is a rare but serious complication. Case presentation This case presents the difficult removal of a Swan-Ganz catheter in a 28-year-old female patient after cardiac surgery. Fluoroscopy and chest X-ray revealed that a portion of the Swan-Ganz catheter was coiled on the central venous catheter at the level of the superior vena cava. Under X-ray guidance, the central venous catheter was first removed, and then the Swan-Ganz catheter was successfully withdrawn through the percutaneous introducer sheath. Conclusions This case report provides an unreported reason for difficult removal and describes a successful solution. This report suggests that X-ray examinations may be necessary before removing the Swan-Ganz catheter.

Latex-induced anaphylactic reactions are often underestimated in patients having procedures in a catheterization lab, intensive care units, or in operating rooms. Most physicians are not aware that almost all balloons in the Swan-Ganz catheter (SGC) are made up of latex. Direct exposure of these latex balloons in the blood can cause severe anaphylactic reactions, even in patients with no previous history of allergies. We present a case of a 53-year-old male, who underwent a SGC placement for cardiovascular evaluation. Immediately after the SGC insertion, he developed circulatory shock. On further investigation, we discovered that SGC balloon contained latex as one of the components. Physicians should be aware of latex-based products such as SGC balloon, which can cause anaphylactic shock even in case of no prior allergies to latex.

Background In 1970, Harold James Charles Swan and William Ganz published their work on the pulmonary artery catheter (PAC or Swan-Ganz catheter). They described the successful bedside use of a flow-directed catheter to continuously evaluate the heart, and it was used extensively in the years following to care for critically ill patients. In recent decades, clinicians have reevaluated the risks and benefits of the PAC. Aim We acknowledge the contributions of Swan and Ganz and discuss literature, including randomized controlled trials, and new technology surrounding the rise and fall in use of the PAC. Methods We performed a literature search of retrospective and prospective studies, including randomized controlled trials, and editorials to understand the history and clinical outcomes of the PAC. Results In the 1980s, clinicians began to question the benefits of the PAC. In 1996 and 2003, a large observational study and randomized controlled trial, respectively, showed no clear benefits in outcome. Thereafter, use of PACs began to drop precipitously. New less and noninvasive technology can estimate cardiac output and blood pressure continuously. Conclusions Swan and Ganz contributed to the bedside understanding of the pathophysiology of the heart. The history of the rise and fall in use of the PAC parallels the literature and invention of less-invasive technology. Although the PAC has not been shown to improve clinical outcomes in large randomized controlled trials, it may still be useful in select patients. New less-invasive and noninvasive technology may ultimately replace it if literature supports it.

A variety of pathologies lead to pulmonary hypertension (PH), which is defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure exceeding 25 mmHg at rest. To further diagnose and manage PH, patients undergo repeated right heart catheterizations (RHC) wherein a Swan-Ganz catheter is advanced into a branch of the pulmonary artery and a balloon is inflated to wedge the catheter tip. This article illustrates a protocol whereby pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) may be harvested from the balloon tips of Swan-Ganz catheters after RHC, and purified with an anti- CD146 affinity column technique to purify putative PAECs. These cells might be used to provide an in situ snapshot of the biological state of the pulmonary vasculature endothelium to complement hemodynamic measurements obtained during RHC. Harvested and purified PAECs may be used for either cell culture or for subsequent analytical assays such as flow cytometery.

Introduction: Totally implantable venous access systems (TIVAS), Swan-Ganz (SG) and central venous catheters (CVC) allow easy and repetitive entry to the central cardiovascular system. Fragments of them may be released inadvertently into the cardiovascular system during their insertion or as a result of mechanical complications encountered during long-term utilization. Aim : To present results of percutaneous retrieval of embolized fragments of central venous devices or knotted SG and review the procedural aspects with a series of detailed angiographies. Material and methods : Between January 2003 and December 2012 there were 14 (~0.025%) successful retrievals in 13 patients (44 ±16 years, 15% females) of embolized fragments of TIVAS (n = 10) or CVC (n = 1) or of dislodged guide-wires (n = 2) or knotted SG (n = 1). Results : Foreign bodies with the forward end located in the right ventricle (RV), as well as those found in the pulmonary artery (PA), often required repositioning with a pigtail catheter as compared to those catheter fragments which were located in the right atrium (RA) and/or great vein and possessed an accessible free end allowing their direct ensnarement with the loop snare (57.0% (4/7) vs. 66.7% (2/3) vs. 0.0% (0/3); p = 0.074 respectively). Procedure duration was 2–3 times longer among catheters retrieved from the PA than among those with the forward edge located in the RV or RA (30 (18–68) vs. 13.5 (11–37) vs. 8 min (8–13); p = 0.054 respectively). The SG catheter knotted in the vena cava superior (VCS) was encircled with the loop snare introduced transfemorally, subsequently cut at its skin entrance and then pulled down inside the 14 Fr vascular sheath. Conclusions : By using the pigtail catheter and the loop snare, it is feasible to retrieve centrally embolized fragments or knotted central venous access devices.

Introduction: The placement of a Swan-Ganz catheter into the pulmonary artery may lead to a number of complications (2–17%). In less than 0.2% of cases Swan-Ganz catheterization results in serious vascular damage – pulmonary artery rupture (PAR). This paper presents two distinct forms of iatrogenic PAR treated endovascularly using different vascular devices. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of endovascular treatment and the application of different types of vascular devices in the management of pulmonary artery rupture caused by Swan-Ganz catheterization. Material and methods : In this retrospective study we evaluated 2 patients in whom Swan-Ganz catheter application was used for perioperative monitoring and resulted in pulmonary artery rupture. This complication was treated endovascularly by means of interventional cardiology. Results : We report the cases of 2 patients with a pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm formed in the perioperative period. In case 1, a single, 4-loop, 3 mm diameter coil was implanted. In case 2, a 5 mm Amplatzer Vascular Plug IV was applied. In both cases, the endovascular approach resulted in total occlusion of the feeding artery and reduced further extravasation of the blood. Conclusions : Despite its extremely low incidence, iatrogenic PAR is a serious, life-threatening complication of Swan-Ganz catheterization that requires urgent attention. Among available methods of treatment, percutaneous embolization is a relatively quick, safe, accurate and highly effective alternative to traumatizing surgery.

To determine whether a pulse waveform analysis in the optic nerve head (ONH) circulation as determined by laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) can provide systemic hemodynamic values — the systemic vascular resistance (SVR) in particular — similar to those obtained by using a Swan–Ganz catheter, which is an invasive method. Sixteen consecutive subjects were examined. Hemodynamic monitoring was obtained from right heart catheterization with a Swan–Ganz catheter and coronary angiography without an intracoronary nitroglycerin administration. Direct blood pressure was measured with a trans-radial approach. Single regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between the blowout score and blowout time, which are the items of the pulse waveform analysis in the ONH, by using LSFG and the hemodynamic parameters. The blowout time was significantly and negatively correlated with the SVR (r = −0.52, p = 0.04), the ocular perfusion pressure with the mean arterial blood pressure of the radial artery (r = −0.52, p = 0.04) and the radial artery pulse pressure (r = −0.52, p = 0.04).The pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (r = −0.44, p = 0.09) and the mean arterial blood pressure of the radial artery (r = −0.44, p = 0.09) tended to be correlated with the blowout time, but did not reach significance. The blowout score was significantly and negatively correlated with the radial artery blood pressure (r = −0.51, p = 0.046). A pulse waveform analysis in the ONH by LSFG may be one of the useful methods for understanding the SVR.

Background Introduced in 1970, the Swan–Ganz catheter (SGC) soon became widely used because of its unique usefulness in managing intensive care patients. Unfortunately, SGC usage was complicated by pulmonary artery rupture (PAR) with a 50% mortality rate that led to a near banning of the SCG in the late 1980s. Increasing knowledge and decreasing incidence of SGC-related PARs (SGPARs) led to the current feeling that the present SGPAR incidence is now low enough to tolerate given the lives saved by SGC usage. However, an important unknown is that, to our knowledge, pathologists have never published a comprehensive microscopic description of a SGPAR. Case report A 73-year-old woman with moderate pulmonary hypertension died from a SGPAR soon after single SGC measurements of right ventricular and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures. By using what we thought to be an appropriate method of dissection, we did a complete microscopic step section study of the 1.6 cm SGPAR revealing 12 relatively uniform longitudinal tears (one perforating) consistent with an overinflated SGC balloon or a weakened arterial wall. Literature review A MEDLINE search of 38 consecutive SGPARs from 2014 to 1980 found 52 cases in 38 papers. Analysis revealed that all 46 SGPARs suitable for study came from large institutions, and confirmed that elderly women were more likely to have SGPARs than elderly men. Conclusions More and better data are needed before fully informed decisions can be made regarding future SGC usage.

The pulmonary artery catheter has a rich history in modern critical care medicine and provided the basis for the science of advanced hemodynamic monitoring. While significant controversy exists regarding the current utility of the catheter, an understanding of the hemodynamic data provided by the pulmonary artery catheter, as well as limitations and potential complications, is essential for any critical care practitioner. When used correctly, this invasive monitoring device can provide a wealth of information regarding the patient’s cardiopulmonary function as well as the impact of therapeutic interventions. However, the nuances of appropriate catheter use, data interpretation, and application are complex and easily misinterpreted even by seasoned intensivists.

A pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) is a useful tool for monitor haemodynamics during cardiac surgery in patients with compromised ventricular function and helps in the perioperative patient management. During open heart surgery entrapment of a Swan-Ganz catheter to an intracardiac structure is rare but may lead to potentially life-threatening complications. Here, we report a case of an entrapped pulmonary artery catheter by accidental surgical suturing at the entry point of Superior vena cava into right atrium that necessitated reopening the chest and removing the catheter.

Background During pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) implantation, inaccurate measurements of hemodynamic parameters due to infection or thrombosis of PAC can result in severe complications. Method In order to develop a new PAC material, we evaluated the antibacterial and antithrombotic activities of the two types of PAC (Swan Ganz catheter and prototype catheter) in 14 pigs. Results In the 3-day group, bacterial infection rate was not different between the two types of PAC. In the 7-day group, bacterial infection rate of the prototype catheter was twice as elevated as that of the Swan-Ganz catheter. In the 3-day group, thrombus formation rate of the prototype catheter was twice as elevated as that of the Swan-Ganz catheter. In the 7-day group, thrombus formation rate was the same for the two types of PAC. Conclusion Here, we report an experimental pig model that confirms differences in antibacterial and antithrombotic activities.

Recurrent ventricular arrhythmia can be fatal and cause serious complications, particularly when it is caused immediately after an operation. Incorrect placement of a Swan-Ganz catheter can trigger life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia, but even intensive care specialists tend to miss this fact. Here, we report a case of recurrent ventricular arrhythmia causing a severe hemodynamic compromise; the arrhythmia was induced by a severely angulated Swan-Ganz catheter. The recurrent ventricular arrhythmia was not controlled by any measures including repositioning of the catheter, until the complete removal of the Swan-Ganz catheter. It is necessary to keep in mind that the position of the pulmonary artery catheter should be promptly checked if there is intractable recurrent ventricular arrhythmia.

Massive pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) is an acute-onset, life-threatening disease in the perioperative period. Massive PE led to severe hypoxemia and cor pulmonale in our patient who had undergone an operation for thalamic hemorrhage. Mechanical clot fragmentation using a Swan–Ganz catheter was attempted, because thrombolytic therapy was contraindicated for our patient. This procedure was successful, resulting in a decrease in pulmonary artery pressure with improvement in hypoxemia. Thus, this procedure may be useful for patients with massive PE with contraindications to thrombolytic therapy.

The following case report describes a complication of Swan-Ganz catheterization and its endovascular treatment with a single coil. Application of this particular catheter in the pulmonary artery during cardiac surgery may lead to mechanical perforation and creation of an extravascular sac, which is called a pseudoaneurysm. There are different methods that lead to tamponade or closure of the leakage. Interventional cardiology procedures are nowadays the most appropriate way of treatment of Swan-Ganz catheter induced vascular complications.

This study materialized the new module which enables to measure more precise data than the existing modules in order to examine the cardiac disorder critical patient`s state by using Swan-Ganz Catheter. There was bolus type CO(Cardiac Output) module which measured CO by measuring the blood changes in temperature and recovery time by injecting cold sap into the heart in the past, but recently, it is not used in most of hospitals due to limit of difficulty of continuous monitoring for the patients. To overcome this limit, the continuous cardiac output measurement platform was materialized to enable the continuous monitoring for patients. The wasted cost issues because of introducing the expensive imported equipment to observe the critical patient`s state with abnormal cardiopulmonary function in the hospitals can be solved by using this new module, and the problem of existing modules should be supplemented for more accurate diagnosis by collecting more precise data.

Swan-Ganz catheter entrapment in the heart, vena cava, or pulmonary artery is rare but may lead to life-threatening events. We report a case of severe tricuspid regurgitation resulting from papillary muscle rupture during percutaneous removal of a Swan-Ganz catheter (SCG) caught by a surgical suture. We performed urgent tricuspid valve repair by suturing the ruptured papillary muscle. This report highlights preventive measures to avoid suture-related entrapment and raises a word of caution regarding percutaneous removal of accidentally entrapped SCGs.

Pulmonary artery catheters have been extensively used for hemodynamic assessment over the past several decades. We present a case that highlights the management of a known, but rare and catastrophic complication of pulmonary artery catheter based therapy. An elderly lady with acute decompensated heart failure, severe pulmonary hypertension, and atrial fibrillation on anticoagulation had a pulmonary artery catheter inserted for hemodynamic monitoring. Subsequently, the patient developed acute hemoptysis and damped pulmonary artery pressure waveforms during inflation of the catheter tip balloon. The possibility of pulmonary artery rupture was immediately recognized and confirmed with CT angiogram of the chest. Emergent interventional radiology guided coil embolization of pulmonary artery rupture and pseudoaneurysm was successful.

Superior vena cava (SVC) clamping can be required during thoracic surgery for SVC replacement or repair. In such cases, bypass techniques can be necessary to avoid hemodynamic instability, cerebral venous hypertension and hypoperfusion. Here, we report a novel and simple SVC bypass technique which does not require full systemic heparinization, specialized cannulation techniques or pumping devices and which can be applied percutaneously in the preoperative phase or intraoperatively. The preoperative shunt consisted in two Swan-Ganz catheters inserted in the jugular and femoral veins and connected by perfusion tubing with a three way stopcock. The intraoperative shunt consisted of a Pruitt(®)-catheter inserted in the left innominate vein and connected to a femoral Swan-Ganz catheter by perfusion tubing. We validated our system in seven patients undergoing SVC reconstruction. We monitored the systemic arterial blood pressures, the heart rate and vasoactive peptide requirements throughout the procedure. We also determined the neurological status and the in-hospital morbidity and mortality for each patient. Using this bypass, SVC clamping caused no hemodynamic instability, no neurological impairments and no in-hospital complications or deaths. This simple temporary SVC bypass procedure is safe and avoids hemodynamic instability and cerebral venous hypertension.

Three patients who presented with massive hemoptysis after the insertion of a Swan-Ganz catheter for cardiac surgery are reported. Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms were diagnosed and successfully treated by embolization with a vascular plug. Follow-up at 15 months showed no recurrence of hemoptysis, and computed tomography helped confirm complete occlusion of the pseudoaneurysms.

Cardiac function, including cardiac index (CI), traditionally has been measured by a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC). A noninvasive alternative for measuring cardiac function would offer obvious advantages.A prospective study of trauma and nontrauma patients was performed in a surgical intensive care unit over a 3-month period. CI was determined using both a standard PAC and a continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound (UTS). The study had 2 phases: phase I was nonblinded and phase II was blinded; the correlation between UTS- and PAC-derived CI was assessed.A total of 120 paired measurements of CI were observed in 31 patients. The UTS-derived CI measurements showed agreement with PAC measurements in both phase I and phase II of the study with a bias of .06 L/min/m(2) +/- .4 L/min/m(2). Paired measurements correlated well in both phase I (r = .97, R2 = .95, P.0001) and phase II (r = .93, R2 = .86, P.0001) of the study.Doppler UTS correlates well with PAC measurements of CI. This noninvasive modality is an accurate and safe alternative to PAC.

The Swan-Ganz catheter makes it possible to monitor important hemodynamic parameters to control the critical patient: pressure in several cavities and large veins, calculation of cardiac output, measurement of central temperature and oxygen saturation, drug administration and drawing of blood samples. The catheter has different lumens and devices to perform these functions. Nurses have a very important role in the placement, maintenance and removal of the catheter, both to maintain optimum functioning and to reduce the risks involved.

The interventional management of D-Transposition of great arteries DTGA is more required with the advances in NICU and pediatric cardiology. Objective To describe our experience in balloon atrial septestomy (BAS) in D-TGA patients weighing Methods we reported retrospectively all BAS in VLBW infants from January 2002 to June 2013. We collected information about the vital parameters before and after BAS. We described the atrial septestomy. Results We have 3 patients with a mean weight of 1333 g. D-TGA was diagnosed at a mean age of 3 days. Four atrial septestomy attempts were done at a mean age of 10.3 days. One infant had two attempts with balloon dilatation in the first, then BAS 24 h later. Procedures were done in catheterization laboratory in three cases and in NICU in one case. Patients were ventilated, sedated and transported by the NICU team. Venous access was obtained by the femoral vein puncture in two cases, femoral vein cutdown in one case and by the umbilical vein in one case. BAS were performed successfully in two cases, one using 4Fr. Swan Ganz catheter, and the other with 5 Fr. Z-Med septestomy catheter. BAS failed in two procedures, one because of atrial wall perforation, and the second because of restrictive foramen ovale which was dilated by a coronary balloon. Complications occurred in 3 cases, one minor (balloon rupture), and two major; atrial perforation in one patient, and severe bradycardia in one patient. BAS was effective with sustained clinical improvement. BAS failure in two patients was followed by heart failure in one patient and the death in the other. Conclusion BAS is mandatory in VLBW infants with D-TGA and restrictive atrial communication. It should be performed quickly if possible to use the valuable umbilical access, and to avoid the clinical compromise. A holeend BAS catheter is required for successful procedure. FO balloon dilatation constitutes another life-saving option.

We experienced anesthetic management for an operation to remove a hemorrhagic gastric submucosal tumor in a patient who had undergone left ventricular volume reduction (the Batista procedure) for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) 2 years previously. Preoperative evaluations indicated the relapse of severe DCM. Intravenous and epidural anesthesia was employed with the aid of an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP). Safe anesthetic management was achieved under the guidance of a Swan-Ganz catheter without inducing overreduction of afterload or excessive preload.

Background. The classic increase in P wave size, known as ‘P-atriale', is a widely accepted criterion for determination of proper positioning of central venous catheter tips. Recent transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) studies did not confirm intra-atrial position despite advancing the central venous catheter further than indicated by ECG guidance. We postulate that the pericardial reflection rather than the entry into the right atrium corresponds to the ECG changes. In order to test our hypothesis we sought to determine the anatomical substrate for the electrical changes in an animal study. Subsequently, a modified version of the study was undertaken in man and is also reported. Methods. In six juvenile pigs the left external jugular vein and right carotid artery were cannulated. A triple-lumen central venous catheter was positioned by ECG guidance using a Seldinger wire as an exploring electrode. The venous and arterial catheters were suture fixed 2 cm beyond the onset of an increase in P wave size. The corresponding anatomical catheter tip position was determined by open exploration of the vessels and the heart. Subsequently the catheter tip position (during advancement) of a pulmonary artery catheter and the corresponding electrical ECG changes were examined in 10 patients during open chest cardiac surgery. Results. All catheters—arterial and venous, in animals and humans—revealed an increase in size of the P wave as well as the QRS complex. All venous catheters were positioned in the superior vena cava, beyond the pericardial reflection but outside the right atrium. All arterial catheters were positioned in the ascending aorta thus also beyond the pericardial reflection. Conclusions. The start of an increase in P wave size does not correspond with the entrance of the right atrium. The anatomic equivalent for the electrophysiological changes of the ECG is the pericardial reflection. ECG guidance is unable to distinguish between venous and arterial catheter position.

• Background Pulmonary artery catheters are widely used invasive monitoring devices in critically ill patients. Clinicians disagree about whether daily chest radiographs are needed or clinical parameters alone are sufficient to verify catheter placement.• Objectives To determine whether daily chest radiographs are needed to assess migration of pulmonary artery catheters.• Methods One hundred consecutive patients with pulmonary artery catheters were prospectively evaluated. Clinical criteria for optimal position of the pulmonary artery catheters and findings on chest radiographs were compared. Optimal clinical criteria were (1) amount of air required to measure pulmonary capillary wedge pressure: 1.25 to 1.5 mL and (2) pulmonary artery catheter migrated 1 cm or less from initial position.• Results Three hundred ninety comparisons of clinical criteria and radiographic findings were done. Chest radiographs indicated the catheter required repositioning in 15 (4%) of 390 instances but in only 4 (1%) of 310 instances in which bedside clinical findings indicated adequate catheter position. In 69 (18%) of the 390 cases, the clinical criteria for adequate catheter position were not met, but radiographs showed the catheter in an appropriate position. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of abnormal clinical criteria were 73%, 82%, 81%, 14%, and 99%, respectively.• Conclusions Chest radiographs indicated that about 4% of catheters required repositioning. Catheter malposition can be reliably excluded (negative predictive value, 99%) by close observation of specific clinical criteria, so routine daily chest radiographs do not seem justified.

Introduction: The Swan-Ganz catheter for pulmonary artery (PA) cannulation was introduced in 1970 and has been utilized in the management of critically ill and cardiac patients. Although the routine use of this catheter has not been associated with better patient outcomes in prospective randomized trials, their ability to provide crucial hemodynamic measurements and the ease of bedside insertion makes them valuable in certain complex clinical scenarios. However, Swan-Ganz catheter insertion is not without complications. PA injury is the most serious complication suspected by the occurrence of hemoptysis after the procedure. We present a case of PA injury with pseudoaneurysm formation after Swan-Ganz catheterization along with a comprehensive review of literature. Methods: We reviewed all PubMed/Medline indexed articles published between 1993-2013, reporting the development of PA pseudoaneurysm after Swan-Ganz catheter use. Cases were analyzed with specific reference to patient demographics, indication for Swan-Ganz insertion, initial presenting symptom, duration between insertion and first evidence of PA injury, inciting event, site of pseudoaneurysm, treatment and outcome. Results: Forty-one patients were identified from 27 papers. In the reviewed population, 87.8% were older than 60 years of age and 82.9% were females. Fifty-one percent of the patients had an episode of hemoptysis on the day of Swan-Ganz catheter insertion. Ninety-seven percent of the patients had PA pseudoaneurysm in the right pulmonary circulation. The admission-to-discharge mortality rate in the reviewed cohort was 15%. Cause of death in 22% of the cases was hemoptysis, while non-catheter related complications were responsible for the remaining deaths. Conclusion: PA injury is a feared complication after Swan-Ganz catheterization and can be fatal. In patients who develop massive or recurrent hemoptysis after Swan-Ganz catheter use, PA injury must be considered and airway protection should be employed along with appropriate catheter based or surgical interventions.

The use of Swan-Ganz catheters has increased tremendously since they were first introduced in 1970. Their ability to give vital hemodynamic measurements in critically ill patients makes their use invaluable when providing quality medical care. The formation of pulmonary artery (PA) pseudoaneurysm from a Swan-Ganz catheter-induced perforation of the PA is a rare but potentially fatal complication of Swan-Ganz catheter use. Three case presentations and a review of the literature are presented.

Pulmonary artery catheters are widely used in intensive care, but evidence to support their widespread use is sparse. Some published data suggest that greater mortality is associated with use of these catheters. The largest study to date looked at >5500 patients in several centres in America and found a greater 30 day mortality in those patients receiving a pulmonary artery catheter. We tested the hypothesis that, on our intensive care unit, mortality was greater for those patients receiving a pulmonary artery catheter. Using a propensity score to account for severity of illness, the odds ratio for mortality in those patients receiving a pulmonary artery catheter was 1.08 (95% confidence interval 0.87–1.33). We believe that continued use of the pulmonary artery catheter is safe; a large randomized controlled trial examining outcome is unlikely to provide an adequate answer.

By means of a Swan-Ganz catheter cardiac output is calculated using the Stewart-Hamilton thermodilution equation. Assuming the body as a thermally isolated inert system, this equation theoretically always results in zero cardiac output.Using the first and second law of thermodynamics together with a few lines simple analysis this statement is proven.It is at least a necessary condition for the application of the Stewart-Hamilton equation, that core body temperature is kept constant in a thermo- regulatory steady state.

Swan-Ganz (S-G) catheters were introduced into pulmonary artery (PA) with the aid of multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in 15 patients undergoing elective open heart surgeries. This method promptly allowed us to find the causes for the difficulties of the catheters in advancing through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle and for the abnormalities in pressure waveform measured by the catheter. We could easily and safely place the S-G catheter in the PA by TEE guidance, indicating that TEE monitoring might be useful for placement of the S-G catheter in PA paticularly during operation and emergency situation.

Although, guidelines related to length of insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter to reach a particular cardiac chamber are available, these are not backed by clinical studies. We measured the length of insertion of pulmonary artery catheters to locate the right ventricle, pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge positions in 300 adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.The pulmonary artery catheters were inserted using a standard technique through the right internal jugular vein. The right ventricle, pulmonary artery and wedge position of the catheter were confirmed by the characteristic waveforms, and the length of insertion to these points was measured.The right ventricle was reached at 24.6 (3) cm (95% CI 24.2-24.9 cm), pulmonary artery at 36 (4) cm (95% CI 35.6-36.5 cm) and wedge position at 42.8 (5.7) cm (95% CI 42.2-43.5 cm). The length of catheter to reach the right ventricle, pulmonary artery and wedge position was significantly more in patients undergoing valve surgery as compared with those undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting [26 (3.8) and 24 (2.5) cm; 38.5 (4.6) and 35 (3.2) cm; and 47.8 (6.9) and 41.2 (4.1) cm, respectively, P0.001]. The length of insertion to reach pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge position was directly related to height of the patient (Pearson's correlation 0.157 and 0.15, respectively).We have provided the norms related to length of insertion of pulmonary artery catheter, which should be useful in accurate placement of the catheter and minimize complications related to coiling of the catheter.

We explored the possibility of using conventional right-heart catheterization data, gathered both prospectively and retrospectively, as a surrogate for high-fidelity micromanometery when analyzing systolic and diastolic RV function and calculating various ventricular and pulmonary hemodynamic parameters in the time domain. Right heart catheterizations were performed on 13 patients (7 female), who were suspected of having pulmonary hypertension. The procedure included use of both fluid-filled catheter and high-fidelity micromanometry to measure right ventricular and pulmonary arterial pressures. A digital data acquisition system was used to record micromanometer readings and data from the fluid-filled catheter system during prospective portion of the study. Retrospective data was obtained by direct digitization of screen captures taken by the conventional clinical system (fluid-filled catheter). From the 13 patients, 12–13 RV waveforms and 12 PA waveforms were acquired from each method. Basic measurements of heart rate, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, dP/dt max, and dP/dt min were compared between micromanometry, direct acquisition from the PA catheter (voltage acquisition), and re-digitization of the hemodynamic waveforms (tracing). Correlation between Swan and tracing was stronger than that of Millar and Swan. SBP, followed by HR, has the strongest correlation of any parameter for all three methods, while DBP appears to be the weakest. Bland–Altman analysis shows all parameters to have minimal biases that are within clinical limits. Interoperator and intraoperator variability was minimal. Digital right-heart catheterization (RHC) data can be used as a surrogate for micromanometric data under ideal conditions for hemodynamic measures in the time domain. Pre-existing RHC data can be re-digitized for more rigorous hemodynamic analysis.

A Swan-Ganz catheter entrapment by a suture in the right atrial wall during open heart operation is presented. The diagnosis of the suture entrapment of the Swan-Ganz catheter to the right atrial wall was established by direct observation of the specific movement pattern of the cardiac structures when manual traction was applied from outside by a transesophageal echocardiographic examination.

The occurrence of Swan-Ganz (S-G) catheter-induced tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was investigated using transesophageal echocardiography in four patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 12-mmHg pneumoperitoneum. Before pneumoperitoneum, TR was not detected in any of the four patients, despite the presence of an inserted S-G catheter; however, it was detected after completion of 12-mmHg pneumoperitoneum in one of the four patients. This TR was diminished after depneumoperitoneum and the employment of a retraction method by which the intra-abdominal pressure became equal to the atmospheric pressure. This TR was not recognized after the removal of the S-G catheter during 12-mmHg pneumoperitoneum in the same patient. There is a possibility that the S-G catheter induces TR during 12-mmHg pneumoperitioneum.

John Matzko, MD Alan H. Matsumoto, MD Charles J. Tegtmeyer, MD William D. Spotnitz, MD T H E Swan-Ganz catheter (SGC) (Edwards Lab, Santa Ana, Calif) is used extensively in cardiac surgery to monitor right heart pressures, indirectly measure left atrial pressure, and determine cardiac output (1). An infrequent complication related to the use of a SGC in cardiac surgery is entrapment of the catheter by surgically placed sutures, resulting in the inability to manipulate or remove the catheter (2-7,9,10). We describe a modification of a previously described technique for percutaneously removing a SGC that had been inadvertently sutured to the superior vena cava (SVC).

A 78-year-old woman visited the division of cardiovascular disease in our hospital. She underwent a cardiac catheter examination, and a Swan-Ganz catheter was inserted. Several minutes later, she developed anaphylactic shock. She had no past history of latex allergy, but did have a banana allergy. Skin prick tests showed a positive reaction to an extract of latex gloves and an extract of the balloon of a Swan-Ganz catheter. Anaphylactic shock caused by the latex balloon of a Swan-Ganz catheter was diagnosed. It is necessary to pay attention to not only latex allergy but also fruit allergies with a cross-reactivity to latex.

In a prospective study of 879 triple-lumen catheters, 219 pulmonary artery catheters, 31 double-lumen and six single-lumen catheters used for the administration of total parenteral nutrition over a 1-year period, the overall complication rate was 12-5 per cent (14-7 complications per 1000 catheter-days) and the catheter-related sepsis rate 4·4 per cent (5·2 per 1000 catheter-days). The probability of development of catheter-related sepsis did not increase with the duration of catheterization. There were no differences in the rate of complications associated with 427 catheters changed by replacement at a new site compared with 159 lines changed over a guidewire. These data support the use of multilumen central venous catheters for the administration of total parenteral nutrition. They suggest that a routine weekly change of line is unnecessary; catheters should be changed only on the development of a complication. When it is required, a catheter should be changed by replacement over a guidewire.

The pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) is an invasive hemodynamic monitoring device that is used extensively in critical care units. This technological advance allows the critical care physician and nurse to closely monitor physiological functions at the bedside. There have been no formal evaluations of the impact of this device on patient care. Reviews and observational studies have yielded different conclusions regarding risks and benefits to patients. This has resulted in much editorial comment expressing divergent opinions on the value of the PAC, but there has been no scientific evidence to guide practice and no apparent effect on the use of these devices. The PAC and other medical monitoring devices must be evaluated with respect to their impact on patient care.

Serial changes of hemodynamic parameters were investigated using a Swan-Ganz catheter in 14 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LAP) and 12 patients undergoing mini-laparotomy cholecyste

Background: Since the development of a Swan-Ganz thermodilution ejection fraction catheter several studies have been published which compare this technique for obtaining right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEFTD) with alternative methods. However, the reliability of RVEFTD measurements under exercise conditions remains undetermined. Therefore, the aim of the present study was a comparative evaluation of RVEFTD with the established gated blood pool method (RVEFGBP) under exercise conditions. Methods and Results: Twenty-two patients with different cardiac diseases underwent right heart catheterization, including RVEFTD and simultaneous RVEFGBP determination at rest and during supine bicycle exercise. Linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation between RVEFTD and RVEFGBP at rest (r = 0.73, p ≤ 0.0005) and during exercise (r = 0.74, p ≤ 0.0005). A Wilcoxon analysis showed a high probability of agreement of RVEFTD and RVEFGBP at rest and exercise (level of significance for error of the 0 hypothesis of 95.9/73.3%). Conclusion: The thermodilution ejection fraction catheter provides a useful device for reliable, repetitive and safe RVEF measurements, not only at rest but also under exercise conditions. This seems to be clinically important, because by it means RVEF, as a sensitive parameter of primary or secondary right ventricular dysfunction, can be determined in the course of standard right heart catheterization.

Many devices are available to assess cardiac output (CO) in critically ill patients and in the operating room. Classical CO monitoring via a pulmonary artery catheter involves continuous cardiac output (CCO) measurement. The second generation of Flotrac/VigileoTM monitors propose an analysis of peripheral arterial pulse waves to calculate CO (APCO) without calibration. The aim of our study was to compare the CO between the Swan Ganz catheter and the VigileoTM. In this observational study, nine patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were prospectively included. APCO, mean (CCO) and instantaneous CO (ICO) were measured. Perioperative and postoperative assessments were performed up to 24 hours post-surgery. Measurements were recorded every minute, resulting in the collection of 6492 data pairs. Comparison of APCO and ICO showed a limited bias of -0.1 l/min but an important percentage error of 48%. Corresponding values were -0.1 l/min and 46% for the APCO versus CCO comparison, and 0 and 17% for ICO versus CCO comparison. Large inter-individual variability does exist. During cardiac surgery and after leaving the operating room, VigileoTM is not clinically equivalent to continuous thermodilution by pulmonary artery catheter. Nevertheless, the connection between CCO and ICO relates the difference between APCO and CCO more to the different algorithms used. Further efforts should be concentrated on assessing the ability of this device to track changes in cardiac output.