Successful Retrieval of a Kinked Thermal Filament of a Swan-Ganz Catheter: a Case Report

Abstract

Abstract Swan-Ganz pulmonary artery catheters enable continuous assessment of cardiac blood flow, left heart pressures, and oxygen delivery and consumption, with an uninterrupted view of cardiac function to facilitate proactive decisions in the most complex patients. However, complications of Swan-Ganz catheters have been continuously reported in clinical practice. Therefore, it is imperative to focus on prevention and treatment of Swan-Ganz catheter complications. This case presents successful management of an unusual complication, retrieval of a kinked thermal filament of a Swan-Ganz catheter in a 32-year-old male patient following liver transplantation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a kinked thermal filament of a Swan-Ganz catheter. When the Swan-Ganz catheter was found to be difficult to withdraw, CT revealed that the Swan-Ganz catheter was kinked at the level of clavicle. Under X-ray guidance, the central venous catheter was first removed, followed by removal of the percutaneous introducer sheath, and finally the Swan-Ganz catheter was successfully withdrawn. This case report provides a successful procedure for the removal of the kinked Swan-Ganz catheter, and perspectives on the overall management, such as the possible need for CT examination when difficulty is encountered withdrawing a Swan-Ganz catheter.