Assessment of the sterility of long-term cardiac catheterization using the thermodilution Swan-Ganz catheter.

Fifty-seven patients requiring catheterization with a thermodilution Swan-Ganz catheter in the surgical intensive care unit were prospectively studied to determine the incidence and significance of positive pulmonary arterial blood cultures. Nonseptic (group 1) and septic (group 2) patients were identified, with subdivision of the groups into A and B classes contingent upon a negative or positive pulmonary arterial blood culture respectively. In the nonseptic group, there were no positive blood cultures, provided there was only one catheterization (Swan-Ganz), less than three repositionings of the catheter, and discontinuation of the catheterization within 72 hours after insertion. Although the septic group followed this pattern, 25 percent incidence of positive pulmonary arterial blood cultures was present within the 72-hour period. We believe that the thermodilution Swan-Ganz catheter is presently a valuable clinical tool and does not predispose the patient to an excessive infectious disease risk.