Case: While floating pulmonary artery catheter you have hard time measuring "wedge" (pulmonary artery occlusion pressure). After few attempts you noticed couple of blood drops in pulmonary artery catheter syringe. What does it mean and what should be you next step?
Answer: Pulmonary artery catheter balloon is rupture
When pulmonary artery catheter balloon is rupture, there could be two scenarios, either there is usually no resistance to balloon inflation or you may notice blood in the balloon port's tubing (syringe).
If there is suspicion of ballon rupture or blood in the balloon tubing,
- IMMEDIATELY clamp off the port
- Do not perform any PAOP/wedge measurement anymore
- Lock the port, and
- Tape over the port/syringe with a note "Balloon Busted"
Attempt to inject further air or to clear the blood may cause a potentially life-threatening air or blood clot emboli.
