Knotting of a flow-directed catheter about a cardiac structure.

An instance of knotting of a flow-directed catheter about an intracardiac structure, presumably part of the tricuspid valve apparatus, is described. Because of the patient's severe pulmonary disease, cardiac surgery to remove the catheter was contraindicated. The central portion of the catheter was allowed to remain in situ, without apparent ill effects over a 16 month period.