Pulmonary artery catheter induced pulmonary artery rupture in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Pulmonary artery rupture is a rare but rapidly fatal complication of pulmonary artery catheter insertion and use. Rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to avoid mortality. Two cardiac surgical patients who suffered pulmonary artery rupture as a result of pulmonary artery catheter insertion and use are presented. These patients demonstrate two different presentations and the treatment of pulmonary artery rupture. A discussion of diagnosis, treatment, pathogenesis and prevention are presented.