What is the Swan-Ganz catheter?
Swan-Ganz® catheter, also called a pulmonary catheter, is a device used to measure blood flow and monitor the heart function. The procedure for inserting the catheter is sometimes referred to as the catheterization of the right heart. This procedure is most often performed in the laboratory of cardiac catheterization or in the intensive care unit in the hospital. Before the patient's or the person responsible for the patient's medical decisions, a written consent form will have to be signed.
patients may be awake while the Swan-Ganz® catheter is inserted, but it is often the sedative to help the patient relax. The Swan-Ganz® catheter is usually inserted into a small cut made in the neck or groin. The insertion area is cleaned and anesthetic is used to reduce pain. Although the procedure is usually not painful, pressure can be felt where the catheter was inserted.
The Swan-Ganz® catheter, which is a small tube, is inserted into the cut and Jánto and the vein. It is than it is slowly on the right atrium, which is the upper chamber of the heart. The catheter moves tricspidand pulmonary flaps into the pulmonary artery. Blood and heart function function can be monitored. After the catheterization of the Swan-Ganz®, the catheter can be left in place for several days to constantly monitor the function of the heart in people who are sick.
Doctors specializing in cardiology usually perform a procedure. The procedure for catheterization can be recommended for diagnosis of conditions such as restrictive cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease. The doctor may also want to monitor the heart function in people who have heart failure and kidney disease.
patients are carefully monitored and monitored during the procedure. During the procedure, the patient's blood pressure and the oxygen level will be monitored. The patient will also be associated with an electrocardiogram machine to constantly monitor his heart rhythm during the procedure.
Risks of the catheterization of the Swan-Ganz® include infection and bruises at the cut point. MThe vein is also injured in which the catheter was inserted. Serious complications are rare, but may occur and include cardiac arrhythmias and pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that travels to the lungs.
people who are not critically ill may have the catheter removed immediately after the test. After the procedure, the physician goes through the results with the patient. Abnormal values may indicate problems with heart valves, heart failure or lung disease.