Entrapment of a Swan-Ganz-catheter in tricuspidal valve.

Unsuccessful pulmonary artery catheter removal is a rare but potential life-threatening complication. This was observed in a dog during investigations on cerebrovascular reactivity. Postmortem examination showed entrappment of the pulmonary artery catheter in tricuspidal valve. "Clinical" symptoms are described and therapeutic measures in the case of suspected entrappment are discussed.