The Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine  2012;27(1):45-48

doi:10.4266/kjccm.2012.27.1.45

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

Kyung Chen LEE 1 ; Wol Seon JUNG ; Yong Beom KIM ; Ji Yeon LEE

Affiliations

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Keywords

complication; knotting; pulmonary artery catheter; surgical removal

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

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.