Swan-Ganz - right heart catheterization

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Cardiac catheterization

Swan Ganz catheterization

Overview

Risks

Results

Swan-Ganz - right heart catheterization

Definition:

Swan-Ganz catheterization involves the passage of a catheter into the right side of the heart to obtain diagnostic information about the heart and to provide continuous monitoring of heart function in critically ill patients.

Alternative Names:

Right heart catheterization; Catheterization - right heart

How the test is performed:

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The test can be performed at the bedside in an intensive care unit or in special procedure areas such as a cardiac catheterization laboratory. A mild sedative is sometimes given before the procedure.

A trained physician inserts the catheter into the right side of the heart through a large vein. Typically, a vein in the right side of the neck is used. However, the left side of the neck, either side of the groin, and other sites can be used.

Before inserting the catheter, the area that is used will be cleaned with sterile soap, injected with local anesthesia and an intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed using a needle. The catheter is inserted through the IV and then into the vein.

The catheter enters the right atrium (upper chamber) of the heart, flows through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle (lower chamber), through the pulmonary valve, and into the pulmonary artery. Measurements of the pressures in the pulmonary artery can be used to indirectly measure the function of the left ventricle.

The position of the catheter within the heart is confirmed by a chest x-ray or by fluoroscopy during the procedure and by monitoring devices that also read the pressures within the heart. During the procedure, the heart's rhythm is monitored continuously by electrocardiogram (ECG).

How to prepare for the test:

You should not consume any food or fluid for 8 hours before the procedure. You may need to be admitted to the hospital the night before the procedure. Otherwise, you will be admitted as an outpatient or inpatient the morning of the procedure, if the procedure is elective. In critically ill patients, the test may be carried out in the intensive care unit.

You will wear a hospital gown and will provide a witnessed, signed consent for the procedure. A health care provider will explain the procedure and its risks. A mild sedative is usually given 30 minutes before the procedure.

In infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experience, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics: