[Complications caused by a Swan-Ganz catheter. An inadvertent entrapment in the right atrium during cardiac surgery].

Insertion of a Swan-Ganz catheter for measurement of pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures is common for operative management of patients with borderline left ventricular function. However, use of the catheter has associated risks. This case report illustrates the inadvertent snaring, by a suture, of a Swan-Ganz line in the right atrium and its subsequent removal transvenously during rethoracotomy.