Successful percutaneous embolization of an intraoperative swan ganz catheter-related pulmonary artery injury

Intraoperative pulmonary artery injury due to Swan Ganz catheterization is a rare but potentially life-threatening injury which demands rapid recognition and treatment. Subsequent pseudoaneurysm formation can occur if not immediately recognized, and percutaneous embolization is a viable option for treatment in most settings. We report a case of a 59-year-old female who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery and suffered an intraoperative Swan Ganz catheter-related injury which led to life threatening hemorrhage with subsequent pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm formation that was successfully embolized. This case report is pathognomonic for this injury and discusses risk factors, presentation, and treatment options of this rare but serious injury.