was performed. We do not routinely use ultrasound guidance or stop anticoagulation. Operators with a median experience of 450 procedures performed the RHCs. Results: Right heart catheterization was performed on 349 patients with a median age of 66 years (range, 17-89), median mean pulmonary artery pressure of 30 mm Hg (range, 8-69), and a median internationalized normal ratio of 2.5. Of 349 patients, we were unable to obtain intravenous access in only 1 patient; 342 (98%) patients tolerated RHC with local anesthetic alone; and 6 patients required additional sedation with benzodiazepines. The median time for the procedure was 15 minutes. Complications occurred in 6 patients (1.7%) and included carotid puncture (n = 3), sinus bradycardia below 45 beats/min, which responded promptly to atropine and intravenous fluid (n = 2), and complete heart block without hemodynamic compromise (n = 1). There were no pneumothoraxes, pulmonary hemorrhage, or deaths related to the procedure. Conclusion: Right heart catheterization via the IJV is quick, safe, and well tolerated. It is not associated with an increased risk of pneumothorax or other complications when performed by experienced operators.
IntroductionRight heart catheterization (RHC) using a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In addition to diagnosing PAH and assessing for potential reversibility, it can ascertain whether pulmonary hypertension (PH) is due to cardiac disease and can guide therapeutic intervention. Measurement of pulmonary hemodynamics is also required in patients being considered for cardiothoracic, and occasionally hepatic, transplantation. A percutaneous femoral vein approach is more commonly used in some centers. Less commonly, an internal jugular vein (IJV) approach is used which may reflect concerns regarding risks associated with this site of access. We describe our experience of RHC performed via the IJV at a tertiary center for cardiothoracic medicine.