Swan-ganz - right heart catheterization: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for severe chest pain, major difficulty breathing, fainting, coughing up blood, stroke-like symptoms, or bleeding that does not stop after firm pressure.
And for anyone, someone who:
has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your healthcare team promptly for:
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or drainage at the site
Fever or chills
A growing lump or repeated bleeding under the dressing
New palpitations, dizziness, or worsening shortness of breath
A cold, pale, numb, or swollen arm or leg near the access site
If you are already in hospital, tell your nurse or clinical team immediately.
And for anyone, someone who:
is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Mild bruising, slight tenderness, and a small spot of dried blood under the dressing can be part of routine recovery.
Follow the instructions you received for dressing care and planned follow-up.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Swan-ganz - right heart catheterization. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.