Percutaneous pulmonary artery catheterization via the arm before anaesthesia: success rate, frequency of complications and arterial pressure and heart rate responses
de Lange, S.S.; Boscoe, M.J.; Stanley, T.H.
British Journal of Anaesthesia 53(11): 1167-1172
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0007-0912 PMID: 6976789 Document Number: 178630
The success rate, frequency of complications and changes in systolic arterial pressure and heart rate during percutaneous pulmonary artery catheterization via an antecubital vein were evaluated before induction of anesthesia in 84 patients about to undergo cardiac surgery. Serious complications were angina (2%) and a small tear in the tricuspid valve (1 patient). If 1 of the basilic veins was used, the success rate was 93%. When it was necessary to use a cephalic vein, the success rate decreased to 60%. Overall success rate was 75%. Placing the catheter in the pulmonary artery resulted in an immediate increase in systolic arterial pressure in all patients and a significant increase in heart rate in patients not taking .beta.-adrenergic blocking drugs. Percutaneous catheterization of the pulmonary artery via the basilic vein is a simple, safe, effective technique associated with few complications.