Which factor is NOT associated with an increased risk of pulmonary artery rupture in patients with a pulmonary artery catheter?

Which factor is NOT associated with an increased risk of pulmonary artery rupture in patients with a pulmonary artery catheter?

• A. Hypothermia
• B. Presence of pulmonary artery atheromas
• C. Old age
• D. Anticoagulation

Answer: (B)

The risk of pulmonary artery rupture with a pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheter is driven by factors that worsen vessel wall fragility or promote bleeding. Anticoagulation diminishes clotting ability, increasing the chance and severity of any rupture. Old age is associated with stiffer, more fragile vessels and diminished ability to tolerate vascular injury. Hypothermia impairs coagulation and platelet function, further elevating bleeding risk. In contrast, the presence of pulmonary artery atheromas, while a marker of vascular disease, does not by itself elevate the risk of rupture during catheter manipulation; this factor does not directly compromise the PA wall in the same way that fragility from age, coagulopathy, or hypothermia does. Therefore, pulmonary artery atheromas are not associated with an increased risk of rupture.

The risk of pulmonary artery rupture with a pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheter is driven by factors that worsen vessel wall fragility or promote bleeding. Anticoagulation diminishes clotting ability, increasing the chance and severity of any rupture. Old age is associated with stiffer, more fragile vessels and diminished ability to tolerate vascular injury. Hypothermia impairs coagulation and platelet function, further elevating bleeding risk. In contrast, the presence of pulmonary artery atheromas, while a marker of vascular disease, does not by itself elevate the risk of rupture during catheter manipulation; this factor does not directly compromise the PA wall in the same way that fragility from age, coagulopathy, or hypothermia does. Therefore, pulmonary artery atheromas are not associated with an increased risk of rupture.