Postoperative life-threatening recurrent ventricular arrhythmia triggered by the swan-ganz catheter in a patient undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014 Aug;47(4):416-9. doi: 10.5090/kjtcs.2014.47.4.416. Epub 2014 Aug 5.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Arrhythmia; Swan-Ganz catheter.

Publication types

  • Case Reports