Cardiac arrest during removal of a pulmonary artery catheter.

Objective: This case report describes an asystolic cardiac arrest that occurred during removal of a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter.

Methods: A 70-yr-old man underwent elective hepatectomy because of hepatic carcinoma with a combination of thoracic epidural blockade and general anaesthesia. After the conclusion of the operation, the PA catheter was removed and immediately after, the patient developed profound sinus bradycardia and hypotension followed by asystolic cardiac arrest. Two minutes after the onset of asystole, cardiac rhythm was detected following the administration of epinephrine and atropine. He had no further episodes of bradycardia or neurological deficit.

Conclusions: Removal of a PA catheter has the potential of inducing asystole requiring cardiac resuscitation and availability of emergency drugs.