Primary Article
Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Via the External Jugular Vein
Abstract
ABSTRACTThe use of pulmonary artery catheters in assessing and managing critically ill patients has become a common practice. The risks associated with insertion of the Swan-Ganz catheter via the internal jugular or subclavian vein include pneumothorax, puncture of the carotid or subclavian artery, mediastinal infiltration, and neurologic damage. I evaluated the success and complication rates associated with placement of a pulmonary artery catheter via the external jugular vein in 25 unselected consecutive patients. Catheterization was successful in 23 of 25 patients on the first attempt. In one patient there was no visible external jugular vein, and in the other the J-wire could not be passed centrally. No complications resulted. It is concluded that pulmonary artery catheterization via the external jugular vein is safe and reliableThis content is limited to qualifying members.
Existing members, please login first
If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.
Purchase only this article ($25)
Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.
Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)
Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.
Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)
Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.