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Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum are known complications of COVID-19 patients. They have been documented to occur both with and without mechanical ventilation. There are several reports of cases further complicated by alveolopleural or bronchopleural fistulas. However, there are no studies and only a few case reports on the treatment options used for alveolopleural fistulas in COVID-19 patients. To our knowledge, there is only one report of bronchoscopic treatment with endobronchial valves in a COVID-19 patient. We present the case of a 63-year-old male with COVID-19, pneumothorax, and an alveolopleural fistula that was successfully sealed using bronchoscopic occlusion with a Swan-Ganz catheter.

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.

To the Editor, We present the case of a 65-year-old woman without any known drug allergies and with a previous cardiac history of atrial fibrillation treated with warfarin and rheumatic poly-valve disease with double mitral valve lesion (severe mitral stenosis and moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation) and severe tricuspid regurgitation with indirect data of pulmonary hypertension admitted due to progressive worsening of her usual dyspnea until becoming dyspnea of minimal exertion and with important limitations in activities of daily living.

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 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.

This chapter describes the routine appearance and abnormal positions of a variety of monitoring and support devices, including endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes, nasogastric and Dobhoff tubes, PICC lines, and other vascular catheters, chest tubes, and pacer/ICD wires.

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.

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.

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.

Right heart catheterization (RHC) should be performed on all candidates in preparation for listing for cardiac transplantation. Patient, 64 y. o., with chronic heart failure NYHA III class, had developed a rare complication while performing that procedure – a rupture of segmental branch of pulmonary artery (PA) with pulmonary haemorrhage. The episode of pulmonary bleeding was stopped conservatively without surgical management. There was a pseudoaneurysm formation of segmental branch of PA 2,7 × 2,8 cm with signs of thrombosis. After fi ve months the patient underwent heart transplantation without severe complications in perioperative period. No more recurrent episodes of pulmonary haemorrhage were identifi ed.

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.

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.

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.

Embolism is the most common cause of acute arterial occlusion in the extremities [1]. In majority of the patients, embolectomy is successful if performed within hours of embolism and carries a good prognosis. However, successful embolectomy can be performed even days after an acute occlusion if patient has persistent symptoms of rest pain or claudication pain in the absence of signs of irreversible motor and sensory loss [2]. But, in patients presenting late after embolism, it may be difficult to revascularize the limb as it may be difficult to negotiate the Fogarty catheter across the organized thrombus. We present a case report of a successful brachial artery embolectomy using Swan Ganz catheter threaded over a guidewire in a patient presenting late after axillary artery embolism. Case report

Background Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are a known complication of central venous access. Pulmonary artery catheters (PAC) are frequently used in status 1A pre-heart transplant patients, at the top of the heart transplant waiting list. These patients often have a PAC in place for extended periods of time and are thus at risk for CLABSI. Our institution’s practice includes routine PAC exchange after 21 days of use. We sought to estimate the risk of CLABSI and determine whether factors influenced infection rate. Methods We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study from January 2013 to December 2016 identifying characteristics of PAC use and infection rate in adult status 1A pre-heart transplant patients. Time to CLABSI was analyzed with Kaplan–Meier estimates. The effect of CLABSI on time to transplant and death were analyzed in time-dependent Cox models. Results We identified 61 status 1A pre-heart transplant patients with PACs during this time period with 219 PACs and 2566 line-days. Median duration of PAC was 11 days. There were 14 CLABSIs for an infection rate of 5.46/1,000 line-days (95% CI: 2.98–9.15), compared with 1.06/1,000 line-days for our institution’s intensive care unit rate. Causative organisms were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (79%), Enterobacter (7%), E. coli (7%), and Klebsiella (7%). There was a trend toward higher infection rate per 1,000 line-days with longer duration of PACs. Lines in place for 0–10 days resulted in an infection rate of 3.14 (1.02–7.32); 11–20 days with a rate of 8.70 (3.19–18.94); and >20 days with a rate of 32.61 (6.72–95.30). There was a trend toward higher infection rate with more concomitant non-PAC lines used (0 other lines, 4.57; 1 line, 6.21; 2 or more, 11.56). Median time to infection diagnosis from PAC placement was 29 days (23–49). Line infection was associated with shorter time to transplant (hazard ratio 2.49; P = 0.027), but no effect on mortality (hazard ratio 1.79; P = 0.355). Conclusion Our study demonstrated a high rate of CLABSI with PAC, with a trend toward increased risk with longer use, and presence of concomitant lines. Infection was associated with a shorter time to transplant, though not with time to death. Prolonged PAC use in the status 1A population should be revisited. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dissecting aneurysm of the pulmonary artery is a rare (1 : 3000) but life threatening complication of the use of Swan-Ganz catheters. The most typical clinical manifestation is hemoptysis, even a asymptomatic aneurysm causes pathognomonic X-ray findings. The eventually long free intervall between catheterisation and formation of the dissecting aneurysm requires thorough follow up of the concerning patients, e. g. chest roentgenograms and thorax CT-scans. The endovascular therapy of this lesion has replaced surgery due to a much better risk profile. The aim of the endovascular treatment is a coil-occlusion of the parent artery immediately proximal to the aneurysm. The success of this procedure will be instantaneously evident.

• 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.

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.