Abstract

A case of cardiac arrhythmias related to continuous thermodilution cardiac output (CCO) is reported. A sheep anaesthetized for experimental purpose was instrumented with a special Swan-Ganz catheter-type to be used for CCO measurements. One hour after starting the CCO monitoring, isolated ventricular extrasystoles were noticed on the electrocardiogram with an increasing frequency. Subsequently bursts of extrasystoles occurred. Atrioventricular dissociation was also observed. The peaks of temperature of the thermal filament were within the normal range and their presence was noticed when arrhythmias appeared. Mean blood pressure and cardiac output did not change during this episode. When the CCO was switched off, no more arrhythmias were observed. The CCO Swan-Ganz by itself did not generate any arrhythmia. The sheep recovered uneventfully. When arrhythmias occur during anaesthesia where CCO is used, a thermal filament induced origin of the arrhythmia must be considered.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.