Interv Akut Kardiol. 2005;4(1):52-54

TECHNIQUE OF INSERTION OF SWAN-GANZ BALLOON CATHETERS INTO THE PULMONARY ARTERY VIA THE FEMORAL VEIN (USEFUL TRICKS)

Jiří Endrys

I. interní klinika Fakultní nemocnice v Hradci Králové

Thermodilution is widely acknowledged method for measurement of cardiac output using floating Swan-Ganz balloon catheters. They can be introduced blindly into the pulmonary artery through the tributaries of the superior vena cava guided just by pattern of the pressure curve. In catheterization laboratory the most frequently used entry is the femoral vein and from this site Swan-Ganz catheters do not float. Reaching pulmonary artery from this vein requires always fluoroscopic guidance of catheter manipulation which might be sometimes rather difficult since the maneuverability of the Swan-Ganz catheters is limited in comparison to the standard catheters. In dilated right atrium and ventricle especially with tricuspid regurgitation insertion into pulmonary artery can be not only very difficult but there is a tendency that the catheter slips back from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle and the right atrium. Purpose of this paper is to present five methods which proved to be successful in dealing with all difficulties. They substantially shorten the screening time and reduce the radiation hazard.

Keywords: Key words: cardiac catheterization, cardiac output, Swan-Ganz balloon catheters, thermodilution.

Published: January 1, 2006  Show citation