Pulmonary infarction complicating the use of Swan-Ganz catheters

Since the introduction of Swan-Ganz (flow-directed balloon-tipped) catheters, in 1970, relatively few serious complications have been reported. This report summarizes three cases of pulmonary infarction secondary to indwelling Swan-Ganz catheters. Two were due to wedging of the catheter and one probably to embolization or extension of thrombus from the tip of the catheter. The radiologist should be aware of this complication, as he is in an excellent position to first make the diagnosis.