Swan-Ganz Catheter-Induced Pulmonary Artery Rupture and Atelectasis Caused by a Bronchial Thrombus / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

The use of pulmonary artery catheters has increased considerably since the Swan-Ganz catheter was first introduced in 1970. It is extremely helpful in the management of critically ill patients and in pulmonary hypertension. However, its manipulation carries potential risks, including subclavian or carotid artery laceration, pneumothorax, thoracic duct laceration, phrenic nerve injury, air embolism, arrhythmias, infection, valvular damage, thrombosis, pulmonary infarction, and pulmonary artery rupture. Pulmonary artery rupture, albeit rare, remains a severe complication. Here, we present a patient who developed pulmonary artery rupture and total atelectasis of the left lung after placement of a pulmonary artery catheter.