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An unusual case of pulmonary artery catheter malfunction
Gerard R Manecke1, Jason C Brown, Allan A Landau
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, California 92103, USA. gmanecke@ucsd.edu
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|July 30, 2002
Abstract
Implications:
Sudden loss of thermodilution or temperature-monitoring capabilities of an indwelling pulmonary artery catheter may indicate significant damage to the catheter, possibly leading to electrical hazard and infection risk. Blood appearing at the electrical connection port confirms the diagnosis. The catheter, if easily removed, should be replaced as soon as possible.