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 tube (catheter) is then fed through the vein until the tip of the catheter is sitting in one of the large veins in your chest. A small tunnel is made in the skin for the tube to pass through and the other end is connected to the port. Correct positioning of the catheter is confirmed by fluoroscopy (using x-ray).