complications
Last reviewed 01/2018
Swan-Ganz catheterisation is safe in experienced hands. Complications include:
- cardiac arrythmias:
- usually occur during insertion of the catheter
- the arrythmias are usually benign, resolving if the catheter is retracted temporarily
- sepsis:
- local infection at the site of insertion
- septicaemia
- bacterial endocarditis
- valve trauma:
- if the catheter is removed with the balloon inflated
- by repeated opening and closing over the catheter
- thrombosis and embolism:
- if the balloon is left inflated too long or if there is a thromboembolic event, large volumes of lung may be infarcted
- the clinical features are those of a pulmonary embolus
- rupture of the pulmonary artery:
- this is a rare but fatal complication
- rupture of the balloon:
- this is rare
- knotting:
- the catheter may become knotted in the right ventricle
- may require surgical removal