Korean J Crit Care Med.  2012 Feb;27(1):45-48. 10.4266/kjccm.2012.27.1.45.

Knotting of Pulmonary Artery Catheter During Tricuspid Valve Surgery: A Case Report

• Lee KC
• Jung WS
• Kim YB
• Lee JY

• KMID: 2301478
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2012.27.1.45

Abstract

The use of pulmonary artery catheter can be helpful in managing patients after cardiac surgery. Nevertheless, there is a risk of serious complications, such as knotting. A 61 year old man underwent tricuspid valve replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). After implantation of a stented tissue valve in the tricuspid valve, repositioning of the catheter was performed. After weaning from CPB, an abnormal pattern of pulmonary artery pressure was suddenly observed on the monitor. Resistance was met when removing the catheter with the balloon deflated, at a 20 cm distance from the tip of the catheter. Chest radiography showed a knot in the catheter within the right brachiocephalic vein. Superior vena cava opened and the distal part of the catheter with the knot was successfully removed.

Keyword

complication; knotting; pulmonary artery catheter; surgical removal

MeSH Terms

Brachiocephalic Veins
Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Catheters
Humans
Organothiophosphorus Compounds
Pulmonary Artery
Stents
Thoracic Surgery
Thorax
Tricuspid Valve
Vena Cava, Superior
Weaning
Organothiophosphorus Compounds