Swan-Ganz-induced pulmonary artery rupture: Management with stent graft implantation^†

Pulmonary artery catheterization is a useful tool for the diagnosis and management of lung or cardiac disease. This procedure is considered safe and associated with a low incidence of major complications. However, pulmonary artery rupture during right heart catheterization, albeit rare, remains a severe complication. Despite modern management with metal-coil embolization, selective intubation and deployment of bronchial blocker, the mortality rate may be as high as 50%. In this case, we report a new approach to deal with a Swan-Ganz-induced pulmonary artery rupture based on stent graft implantation leading to successful sealing of the pulmonary perforation with final patency and normal antegrade blood flow in the pulmonary branch. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.