[Complete AV block in a heart catheter study using a Swan-Ganz catheter]

A case of complete heart block during right heart Swan-Ganz balloon-tipped flow-directed catheterization in a patient with intermittent left bundle branch block after aortic valve replacement is reported. After entrance into the right ventricle with the catheter tip as well as after insertion of a temporary balloon-floated pacemaker electrode symptomatic complete heart block occurred. This case demonstrates that in a patient with intermittent left bundle branch block a complete AV block may occur and therefore the possibility of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and temporary pacing has to be taken in account.