Accidental puncture of the right lymphatic duct during pulmonary artery catheterization. A case report.

A case of an accidental placement of the introducer sheath of a Swan Ganz catheter into the right lymphatic duct during right internal jugular vein catheterization is presented. This rare complication has to be reported, because the choice of the right internal jugular vein for central venous catheterization has been strongly recommended, with special concern being paid to the avoidance of any thoracic duct injury. No deleterious complications were observed either in the immediate or in the later postanaesthetic period.