The Swan-Ganz pulmonary artery catheter. Incidence of complications, with particular reference to ventricular dysrhythmias, and their prevention.

A series of seventy-three adult patients undergoing open-heart surgery was studied, in whom a Swan-Ganz pulmonary artery catheter was inserted. The incidence of complications occurring during insertion and use of the catheter was noted, and a controlled trial carried out to determine the efficacy of lignocaine 1 mg/kg iv in preventing ventricular dysrhythmias during passage of the catheter. A significant decrease in dysrhythmia rate was observed. Ways of minimising or preventing other complications are discussed.