Resuscitation using a Swan–Ganz pacing catheter following refractory intraoperative asystole during open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Abstract

We report the case of a 75-year-old man who suffered an intraoperative asystolic cardiac arrest during elective open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Return of circulation was achieved following the initiation of temporary right ventricular pacing via a Swan–Ganz pacing catheter. The patient experienced a further episode of refractory asystole in the postoperative period, with subsequent insertion of a permanent pacemaker. This case highlights the role of a Swan–Ganz pacing catheter as a resuscitative measure in refractory intraoperative asystole during major non-cardiac surgery.