Unusual complication of Swan-Ganz catheter requiring mediastinotomy

We were consulted to assist in the removal of an anchored Swan-Ganz catheter. After failing in several attempts to remove the catheter, we elected to return the patient to the operating room in the event that the catheter had been sutured to the right atrium. No evidence of this was found. We believe the catheter was anchored to the pulmonary bed, but the definite cause of this problem is still obscure.