Metastatic cancer: Introduction. Metastatic cancer: When cancer spreads (metastasizes), cancer cells are often found in nearby or regional lymph nodes (sometimes called lymph ... more about Metastatic cancer. Metastatic cancer: Any cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Swan-Ganz Right Heart Catheterization. Definition. Swan-Ganz catheterization is the passing of a thin tube (catheter) into the right side of the heart to monitor the heart's function and blood flow in persons who are very ill. Alternative Names. Right heart catheterization; Catheterization - right heart.
The standard pulmonary artery catheter has two lumens (Swan-Ganz) and is equipped with an inflatable balloon at the tip, which facilitates its placement into the pulmonary artery through the flow of blood. The balloon, when inflated, causes the catheter to wedge in a small pulmonary blood vessel.