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 doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb an area on your chest. A needle will be inserted and then a catheter (a thin plastic tube) will be threaded into the pericardial sac around your heart. The doctor may use an X-ray or echocardiography machine to make sure the catheter is positioned correctly. The doctor will drain the fluid that has collected around your heart.