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Assessing hemodynamics, especially central venous pressure (CVP), is essential in heart failure (HF). Right heart catheterization (RHC) is the gold-standard, but non-invasive methods are also needed. However, the role of 2-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) remains uncertain, and 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is not always available. This study investigated standardized and breathing-corrected assessment of inferior vena cava (IVC) volume using echocardiography (2DE and 3DE) versus CVP determined invasively using RHC. Sixty consecutive HF patients were included (82% male, age 54 ± 11 years, New York Heart Association class 2.23 ± 0.8, ejection fraction 46 ± 18.4%, brain natriuretic peptide 696.93 ± 773.53 pg/mL). All patients underwent Swan-Ganz RHC followed by 2DE and 3DE, and IVC volume assessment. On 2DE, mean IVC size was 18.3 ± 5.5 mm and 13.8 ± 6 mm in the largest deflection and shortest distention, respectively. Mean CVP from RHC was 9.3 ± 5.3 mmHg. Neither 2DE nor 3DE showed acceptable correlation with invasively measured CVP; IVC volume acquisition showed optimal correlation with RHC CVP (0.64; 95% confidence interval 0.46–0.77), with better correlation when mitral valve early diastole E wave and right ventricular end-diastolic diameter were added. Using a CVP cut-point of 10 mmHg, receiver operating characteristic curve showed true positivity (specificity) of 0.90 and sensitivity of 62% for predicting CVP. A validation study confirmed these findings and verified the high predictive value of IVC volume assessment. Neither 2DE nor 3DE alone can reliably mirror CVP, but IVC volume acquisition using echocardiography allows non-invasive and adequate approximation of CVP. Correlation with invasively measured pressure was strongest when CVP is > 10 mmHg.

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.

The pulmonary artery catheter is a valuable tool available to the clinician for use in deciphering complex hemodynamic scenarios. Patients in shock, particularly those who are elderly or have premorbid conditions such as heart failure, may have atypical presentations. Additional hemodynamic data may help identify interventions that might seem counterintuitive, such as the use of vasoconstrictors in patients with low cardiac output. Interpretation of pulmonary artery hemodynamic data is a skill that should not be relegated to the past. This article reviews the use of a pulmonary artery catheter in mixed shock states. A case study is used to demonstrate how pulmonary artery catheter hemodynamic values can guide the care of these patients.

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.

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.

Background Pulmonary artery thermodilution is the clinical reference method for cardiac output monitoring. Because both continuous and intermittent pulmonary artery thermodilution are used in clinical practice it is important to know whether cardiac output measurements by the two methods are clinically interchangeable. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies comparing cardiac output measurements assessed using continuous and intermittent pulmonary artery thermodilution in adult surgical and critically ill patients. 54 studies with 1522 patients were included in the analysis. Results The heterogeneity across the studies was high. The overall random effects model-derived pooled estimate of the mean of the differences was 0.08 (95%-confidence interval 0.01 to 0.16) L/min with pooled 95%-limits of agreement of − 1.68 to 1.85 L/min and a pooled percentage error of 29.7 (95%-confidence interval 20.5 to 38.9)%. Conclusion The heterogeneity across clinical studies comparing continuous and intermittent pulmonary artery thermodilution in adult surgical and critically ill patients is high. The overall trueness/accuracy of continuous pulmonary artery thermodilution in comparison with intermittent pulmonary artery thermodilution is good (indicated by a pooled mean of the differences PROSPERO registration number CRD42020159730.

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.

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.

To compare cardiac output measurements by transthoracic echocardiography and a pulmonary artery catheter in mechanically ventilated patients with high positive end-expiratory pressure. To evaluate the effect of tricuspid regurgitation.Sixteen mechanically ventilated patients were studied. Cardiac output was measured by pulmonary artery catheterization and transthoracic echocardiography. Measurements were performed at different levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (10cmH2O, 15cmH2O, and 20cmH2O). The effect of tricuspid regurgitation on cardiac output measurement was evaluated. The intraclass correlation coefficient was studied; the mean error and limits of agreement were studied with the Bland-Altman plot. The error rate was calculated.Forty-four pairs of cardiac output measurements were obtained. An intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.908 was found (p0.001). The mean error was 0.44L/min for cardiac output values between 5 and 13L/min. The limits of agreement were 3.25L/min and -2.37L/min. With tricuspid insufficiency, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.791, and without tricuspid insufficiency, 0.935. Tricuspid insufficiency increased the error rate from 32% to 52%.In patients with high positive end-expiratory pressure, cardiac output measurement by transthoracic echocardiography is comparable to that with a pulmonary artery catheter. Tricuspid regurgitation influences the intraclass correlation coefficient. In patients with high positive end-expiratory pressure, the use of transthoracic echocardiography to measure cardiac output is comparable to invasive measures.Comparar las medidas de gasto cardiaco por ecocardiografía transtorácica y por catéter arterial pulmonar en pacientes en ventilación mecánica con presión positiva al final de la espiración elevada. Evaluar el efecto de la insuficiencia tricúspide.Se estudiaron 16 pacientes en ventilación mecánica. El gasto cardiaco se midió con el catéter arterial pulmonar y por ecocardiografía transtorácica. Las medidas se realizaron en diferentes niveles de presión positiva al final de la espiración (10cmH2O, 15cmH2O, y 20cmH2O). Se evalúo el efecto de la insuficiencia tricúspide sobre la medida de gasto cardiaco. Se estudió el coeficiente de correlación intraclase; el error medio y los límites de concordancia se estudiaron con el diagrama de Bland-Altman. Se calculó el porcentaje de error.Se obtuvieron 44 pares de medidas de gasto cardiaco. Se obtuvo un coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,908, p0,001; el error medio fue 0,44L/min para valores de gasto cardíaco entre 5 a 13L/min. Los límites de concordancia se encontraron entre 3,25L/min y -2,37L/min. Con insuficiencia tricúspide el coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue 0,791, sin insuficiencia tricúspide el coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue 0,935. La presencia de insuficiencia tricúspide aumentó el porcentaje de error de 32 % a 52%.En pacientes con presión positiva al final de la espiración elevada la medida de gasto cardiaco por ecocardiografía transtorácica es comparable con catéter arterial pulmonar. La presencia de insuficiencia tricúspide influye en el coeficiente de correlación intraclase. En pacientes con presión positiva al final de la espiración elevada, el uso de ecocardiografía transtorácica para medir gasto cardiaco es comparable con las medidas invasivas.

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.

Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)-induced increase in central venous pressure (CVP) has been suggested to be a robust indicator of fluid responsiveness, with heart rhythm having minimal influence. We compared the ability of PEEP-induced changes in CVP with passive leg raising (PLR)-induced changes in stroke volume index (SVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation after valvular heart surgery.In 43 patients with atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery, PEEP was increased from 0 to 10 cm H2O for 5 min and changes in CVP were assessed. After returning the PEEP to 0 cm H2O, PLR was performed for 5 min and changes in SVI were recorded. Finally, 300 ml of colloid was infused and haemodynamic variables were assessed 5 min after completion of a fluid challenge. Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in SVI ≥10% measured by a pulmonary artery catheter.Fifteen (35%) patients were fluid responders. There was no correlation between PEEP-induced increases in CVP and changes in SVI after a fluid challenge (β coefficient -0.052, P=0.740), whereas changes in SVI during PLR showed a significant correlation (β coefficient 0.713, P0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the PEEP-induced increase in CVP and changes in SVI during PLR for fluid responsiveness was 0.556 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.358-0.753, P=0.549) and 0.771 (95% CI 0.619-0.924, P=0.004), respectively.A PEEP-induced increase in CVP did not predict fluid responsiveness in patients with atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery, but increases in SVI during PLR seem to be a valid predictor of fluid responsiveness in this subset of patients.

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.

Purpose of review In an attempt to make cardiovascular monitoring less invasive and more effective, transesophageal echocardiography is progressively being used in critically ill patients suffering from hemodynamic instability. This review analyses the capacity of transesophageal echocardiography to fully replace the pulmonary artery catheter in the management of hemodynamic impairment, as transesophageal echocardiography similarly allows for the measurement of central venous pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, stroke volume and cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance. Recent findings Recently, the accuracy and clinical applicability of transthoracic echocardiography to establish the entire hemodynamic profile in patients with decompensated heart failure has convincingly been demonstrated. Because many principles are similar in transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, it has been hypothesized that the latter modality is also qualified to quantitatively determine intracardiac hemodynamics, including pressure and flow. Summary Transesophageal echocardiography has the potential to offer a noninvasive, valid alternative to Swan-Ganz catheters in the hemodynamic assessment of patients in the perioperative period.

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.

While the pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) is still interesting in specific situations, there are many alternatives. A group of experts from different backgrounds discusses their respective interests and limitations of the various techniques and related measured variables. The goal of this review is to highlight the conditions in which the alternative devices will suffice and when they will not or when these alternative techniques can provide information not available with PAC. The panel concluded that it is useful to combine different techniques instead of relying on a single one and to adapt the “package” of interventions to the condition of the patient. As a first step, the clinical and biologic signs should be used to identify patients with impaired tissue perfusion. Whenever available, echocardiography should be performed as it provides a rapid and comprehensive hemodynamic evaluation. If the patient responds rapidly to therapy, either no additional monitoring or pulse wave analysis (allowing continuous monitoring in case potential degradation is anticipated) can be applied. If the patient does not rapidly respond to therapy or complex hemodynamic alterations are observed, pulse wave analysis coupled with TPTD is suggested.

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.

A patient was scheduled for open infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and the procedure was performed without complication. The pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) was unintentionally placed in the coronary sinus via an undiagnosed persistent left superior vena cava anomaly. Interpreting the waveform produced by the PAC in standard and abnormal locations such as the coronary sinus is equally as important as measuring and monitoring hemodynamic status.

The use of pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) is controversial. The purpose of this study was to document the changing pattern of PAC use and to determine its effect on outcome.The use of PAC was analyzed in patients ≥16 years old admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) over a 9-year period starting in 2000. Patients with SICU length of stay exceeding 30 days were excluded. For the evaluation of PAC's effect on outcome, PAC and no-PAC patients were matched utilizing propensity scores.During the 9-year study period, a total of 5,192 trauma patients were admitted to the SICU. Of these, 426 (8.2%) were16 years old, and 174 (3.4%) had a SICU length of stay that exceeded 30 days. For the remaining 4,592 patients, the mean ± SD age was 39.5 ± 18.8 years, and the mean ISS was 19.9 ± 12.4. PAC was utilized in 19.5% (n = 896) of all the patients admitted to the SICU. The trend for PAC use decreased significantly over the years (P value for trend0.001), from 38.6% in the year 2000 to 4.2% in the year 2008. This decrease was noted in all age and injury severity groups of patients. The overall mortality, however, remained at the same levels (P value for trend = 0.111). Patients managed with a PAC were significantly older, more severely injured, more frequently injured by a blunt mechanism, and were admitted more often in a hypotensive or comatose status. In the early part of the study, the PAC was utilized on the first day and for 4.1 days on average. In the later part of the study, however, the PAC was used on the second day and for a shorter period of time (3 days on average, P0.001). In the matched study population, patients in the PAC group had almost twofold higher odds for death, when compared to the no-PAC group [34.2% vs. 22.5%, Odds Ratio (95% CI): 1.78 (1.42, 2.26), P0.001]. Patients younger than 50 years of age who had an ISS ≥16 had worse outcome when managed with a PAC, whereas patients aged 30-69 years with an ISS16 had a higher survival. The overall complication rate was fivefold higher in patients receiving a PAC [46.3% vs. 14.2%, Odds Ratio (95% CI): 5.22 (4.04, 6.74), P0.001].The use of PAC has decreased almost 10-fold over the last decade at our institution. The PAC is being used later during the ICU course and for a shorter period of time. In a matched population, the use of PAC is associated with a significantly higher mortality and complication rate, but the reason for this association remains uncertain. The use of PAC is invasive and is associated with known complications and financial costs. While the use of PAC maybe useful in a select population, routine and widespread use of the PAC should be avoided.

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.

Background— Although several studies have demonstrated a good correlation between Doppler echocardiographic and invasive measurements of single hemodynamic variables, the accuracy of echocardiography in providing a comprehensive assessment in individual patients has not been validated. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and clinical applicability of Doppler echocardiography in determining the entire hemodynamic profile in stable patients with advanced systolic heart failure. Methods and Results— Doppler echocardiography and Swan-Ganz catheterization were simultaneously performed in 43 consecutive patients with advanced heart failure. Echocardiographic data required for estimation of right atrial, pulmonary artery systolic, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures; cardiac output; and pulmonary vascular resistance were obtained and compared with hemodynamic data. For all variables, invasive and noninvasive hemodynamic values were highly correlated ( P 3 Wood U) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (>20 mm Hg) at baseline, hemodynamic and Doppler measurements were simultaneously repeated after unloading manipulations. Absolute values and changes of pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures after unloading were still accurately predicted ( r =0.96 and r =0.92, respectively). Conclusions— Doppler echocardiography may offer a valid alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization for the comprehensive hemodynamic assessment of patients with advanced heart failure, and it may assist in monitoring and optimization of therapy in potential heart transplant recipients.

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.

Advances in medical care have led to increasing numbers of complex, high-risk obstetric patients. Specialist training and a sound knowledge of normal maternal physiology are essential to optimize outcomes. One of the earliest observed changes is peripheral vasodilatation; this causes a fall in systemic vascular resistance and triggers physiological changes in the cardiovascular and renal systems, with 40-50% increases in cardiac output and glomerular filtration rates. Safety concerns over Swan Ganz catheters have driven the increasing interest in alternative techniques, such as echocardiography, thoracic bioimpedance and pulse contour analysis, although their exact roles in future obstetric high-dependency care have yet to be established. Analysis of arterial blood gases is fundamental to the management of sick patients, and correct interpretation can be aided by a systematic approach. Observation charts are almost ubiquitous in all aspects of medicine, but little evidence exists to support their use in the high-dependency setting.

Unilateral giant pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) can be seen as a complication of chronic ventilation in extremely low-birth-weight babies. Many can be managed by conventional pulmonary care which includes positioning, suctioning, chest physiotherapy, gentle conventional ventilation and high-frequency ventilation. Some may need invasive procedures such as lung puncture, pleurotomies and excisional surgery. This is the group in which single-lung ventilation may be beneficial and circumvent the need for an invasive procedure.We describe the technique of single-lung ventilation using a Swan-Ganz catheter to block the main stem bronchus on the diseased side in air-leak syndromes.A retrospective chart review was done on 17 newborns undergoing single-lung ventilation using this technique at the Children's Hospital of New York, Columbia University, from 1986 to 2000.The technique was successful in the management of severe, neonatal unilateral lung disease not responsive to conventional modes of therapy in all but two neonates as seen by a significant improvement in pH and a decrease in PaCO(2) levels. In one neonate malpositioning of the Swan-Ganz catheter balloon could have contributed to the development of pneumothorax.The described technique of single-lung ventilation provides a safe, minimally invasive and economically feasible method of management of unilateral giant PIE in newborns not responsive to conventional modes of therapy with minimal complications.

Although cardiac output (CO) by pulmonary artery catheterization (PAC) has been an important guideline in clinical management for more than four decades, some studies have questioned the clinical efficacy of CO in certain patient populations. Further, the use of CO by PAC has been linked to numerous complications including dysrhythmia, infection, rupture of pulmonary artery, injury to adjacent arteries, embolization, pulmonary infarction, cardiac valvular damage, pericardial effusion, and intracardiac catheter knotting. The use of PAC has been steadily declining over the past two decades. Minimally invasive and noninvasive CO monitoring have been studied in the past two decades with some evidence of efficacy. Several different devices based on pulse contour analysis are available currently, including the uncalibrated FloTrac/Vigileo system and the calibrated PiCCO and LiDCO systems. The pressure-recording analytical method (PRAM) system requires only an arterial line and is commercially available as the MostCare system. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can measure CO by non-Doppler- or Doppler-based methods. The partial CO2 rebreathing technique, another method to measure CO, is marketed by Novametrix Medical Systems as the NICO system. Thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB) and electric bioreactance (EB) are totally noninvasive CO monitoring. Nexfin HD and the newer ClearSight systems are examples of noninvasive CO monitoring devices currently being marketed by Edwards Lifesciences. The developing focus in CO monitoring devices appears to be shifting to tissue perfusion and microcirculatory flow and aimed more at markers that indicate the effectiveness of circulatory and microcirculatory resuscitations.

The aim of this prospective study was to compare continuous cardiac output measurements of the non-invasive cardiac output system (NICO) with the pulmonary artery catheter during off-pump coronary bypass surgery.Twenty-two patients enrolled for off-pump coronary surgery received both a pulmonary artery catheter and a non-invasive cardiac output system for measurement of cardiac output. Data were compared by the Bland-Altman method to calculate the degree of agreement and to analyse if a significant difference existed between the two methods of cardiac output measurements.Perioperatively, the non-invasive cardiac output underestimated cardiac output, but postoperatively overestimated it. The limits of agreement were larger during surgery compared to the postoperative period (-3.1; +2.5 vs. -1.4; +2.2 L min(-1)). Perioperatively, cardiac output measured with the pulmonary artery catheter varied from 0.5 to 7.5 L min(-1) (mean 3.6 L min(-1)) and with the non-invasive cardiac output from 0.5 to 8.4 L min(-1) (mean 3.9 L min(-1)). Postoperatively, these were 2.5-7.7 L min(-1) (mean 4.5 L min(-1)) and 2.3-8.4 L min(-1) (mean 4.9 L min(-1)), respectively.During off-pump cardiac surgery, the non-invasive cardiac output reliably measures cardiac output and does it more rapidly than a pulmonary artery catheter and may be more useful in order to detect rapid haemodynamic changes.

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.

Creation of either a natural arteriovenous graft or a fistula as a vascular access to support long-term hemodialysis can lead to "high-output" cardiac failure. The authors describe a patient who underwent surgical banding of an upper arm arteriovenous fistula. Access flow and cardiac output were measured not only pre- and postoperatively but also intraoperatively using a modified Swan Ganz catheter, originally developed to measure access flows during radiologic procedures. Banding resulted in a significant decrease in access flow and cardiac output, which was sustained for up to 1 year postoperatively.

Perforation of a pulmonary artery after placement of a Swan-Ganz catheter is a serious complication that requires immediate management. Exact description of size and anatomic localization of a pulmonary pseudoaneurysm is crucial for planning further therapy. This report describes a patient who experienced such a complication, but in whom primary pulmonary angiography failed to demonstrate bleeding. However, multislice computed tomography not only correctly demonstrated the anatomic location of the pseudoaneurysm but was also able to directly visualize the feeder vessel and its connection to the aneurysm. This information was essential for subsequent superselective angiographic visualization of the feeder vessel and for successful embolization as the least invasive method of choice.

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.

It has been argued that the poor correlation between cardiac output and mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) reduces the value of SvO2. Routine use of Swan Ganz catheters is also controversial in cardiac surgery. Here our clinical experience with a simplified method for routine hemodynamic monitoring and the short-term prognostic value of SvO2 after CABG surgery is presented.Peroperatively an epidural catheter is routinely introduced through the outflow tract of the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery for monitoring of pressure and blood sampling. Clinical data were retrospectively retrieved from the records and related to SvO2 routinely obtained on admission to the ICU after 488 CABG procedures.Average SvO2 on arrival to ICU was 67+/-7%. The SvO2 value of 55% represented a cut off point below which a high incidence of complications were found. Outcome after 456 procedures with SvO2or = 55% compared with 32 procedures with SvO255%: mortality 0 vs. 9.4% (P = 0.0003), perioperative myocardial infarction 6.2 vs. 29% (P0.0001), ventilator treatment 8.9+/-10.1 vs. 25.7+/-54.9 h (P = 0.0074), ICU stay 1.4+/-1.2 vs. 2.1+/-1.7 days (P = 0.0010).SvO2 was of prognostic value and due to its specificity it seems particularly useful for telling which patients are unlikely to develop cardiorespiratory problems. Thus, this simple method for hemodynamic monitoring could contribute to cost containment as it seems that we can safely reserve Swan Ganz catheters for high-risk patients.

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.

Objective: It has been recently shown that there is a match between dicrotic notch and mean pulmonary artery (PA) pressures in spontaneously breathing patients studied by means of high-fidelity pressure catheters. The aim of the study was to analyze the relation between mean PA pressure and PA pressure at the incisura by using a Swan-Ganz catheter in critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients. Measurements and results: Fluid-filled PA pressures were obtained over four ventilatory cycles in 32 consecutive, mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit. We measured mean PA pressure and dicrotic notch pressure. We also calculated the widely used approximation of mean PA pressure (mean PAPapprox = diastolic + 1/3 pulse pressure). Cardiac output was measured in triplicate by using the thermodilution technique. Dicrotic notch was clearly identified in 30 of 32 patients. Mean PA pressure (32.1 ± 10.2 mm Hg) and PA dicrotic notch pressure (31.8 ± 10.4 mm Hg) were linearly related (r = 0.989, p < 0.001). Agreement between dicrotic notch and mean PA pressures was suggested (mean difference ± SD = − 0.3 ± 1.5 mm Hg). Similar agreement was found between mean PAPapprox and mean PA pressure (mean difference ± SD = − 0.7 ± 0.8 mm Hg; p = 0.20). Conclusion: By using a Swan-Ganz catheter we found that dicrotic notch pressure equalled mean PA pressure in the critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients studied. This indicated that right-sided ejection was completed at a PA pressure equal to mean PA pressure in these patients.

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.

Importance Inadvertent carotid sheath insertion during central venous catheter placement could lead to serious complications. Objective To describe management of inadvertent carotid artery sheath insertion placed intraoperatively during attempted jugular venous cannulation for pulmonary artery catheter placement. Design, Setting, and Participants In a retrospective medical record review of patients from hospitals affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, a total of 12 patients over 11 years who sustained intraoperative carotid artery introducer sheath placement during attempted jugular vein cannulation were identified. Six patients underwent immediate carotid artery exploration with sheath removal and primary repair. The remaining 6 patients underwent percutaneous closure using a suture-mediated closure device. Treatment outcomes of these 2 groups were analyzed. Main Outcomes and Measures Technical success, duration of treatment, stroke, return to the operating room, and long-term outcomes. Results Technical success was achieved in all patients in both groups. The intended operations were aborted in all patients following catheter removal and carotid artery closure. The mean (SD) durations of treatment for the operative and endovascular groups were 32 (12) minutes and 6 (3) minutes, respectively ( P = .03). No neurological deficit occurred in either group. The intended operations were all subsequently performed, and the mean delays of operation in the operative and endovascular groups were 5 and 3 days, respectively ( P = .20). Follow-up carotid duplex showed no injury of the repaired artery in either group. During a mean follow-up of 42 months, no complications or neurological deficits were noted in either patient cohort. Conclusions and Relevance Inadvertent carotid artery sheath placement during attempted central venous cannulation for pulmonary artery catheter insertion mandates catheter removal and repair of the carotid artery puncture site. The closure device permits percutaneous repair of the carotid artery expeditiously. Our experience showed this treatment modality to be as safe and effective as operative repair.

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.

Invasive hemodynamic monitoring has become standard in the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. This study is a retrospective analysis of 630 Swan-Ganz catheters placed in 184 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Evaluation of complications demonstrated a 13% incidence of catheter-related sepsis (81 of 630 catheters), a 2% incidence of congestive heart failure (13 of 630 catheters), a 1.3% incidence of subclavian vein thrombosis (8 of 630 catheters), a 1% incidence of pneumothorax (6 of 630 catheters), and a 0% incidence of pulmonary artery rupture. In the management of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, invasive hemodynamic monitoring continues to be an important tool with acceptable complications.

Objective To perform minimally invasive cardiac surgery through the smallest possible wound and with the least number of incisions in the heart or aorta, the necessary cannulations to undergo cardiopulmonary bypass must be done through peripheral vessels. A difficult skill to learn for the cardiac anesthesiologist is how to safely and efficiently position the coronary sinus catheter (Endoplege; Edwards Lifesciences LLC, Irvine, CA USA) required for retrograde cardioplegia administration. Methods In patients in whom a Swan-Ganz catheter was inserted as part of the operative management strategy for non–minimally invasive heart surgery, we have been using it as a training tool to learn how to visualize and manipulate right-sided catheters under transesophageal echocardiography. We developed this teaching technique to help hone some of the necessary skills needed to place the Endoplege catheter for minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Manipulation was done with the goal of visualizing the catheter and guiding it into the coronary sinus. For a 4-month period, anesthesia records were retrospectively reviewed. Results Fifteen patients, for a total of 19 catheter manipulations, were found in whom we had documented the use of the Swan-Ganz catheter and details about the insertion as a training tool. The coronary sinus and the catheter were visualized 100% of the time. The Swan-Ganz catheter was successfully inserted into the coronary sinus in 17 of 19 catheter manipulations. Conclusions The Swan-Ganz catheter can be used as a training tool to develop some of the necessary skills to place catheters into the coronary sinus with transesophageal echocardiography guidance.

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).