Swan-Ganz catheter: comparison of insertion techniques.

One hundred eighty-nine Swan-Ganz catheters were inserted in 165 critically ill patients with different techniques. Percutaneous catheterization through the subclavian, internal jugular, and antecubital veins and antecubital venous cutdown with or without fluoroscopy were compared. The antecubital approach, percutaneously or through a venous cutdown, was associated with most complications. We conclude that the method of choice is the percutaneous insertion of the balloon-tipped catheter through the subclavian or internal jugular veins and that fluoroscopy is unnecessary.