ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility, safety and accuracy of inserting a left atrial piezometer tube and pulmonary artery flotation catheter (PAFC)via the internal jugular vein (IJV)for postoperative monitoring of adult patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)after open cardiac surgery. MethodsA prospective study was conducted in 100 patients aged over 18 years who underwent open cardiac surgery in Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital from 2010 to 2012. There were 43 male and 57 female patients with their age of 46-65 (47±16)years. All the patients were divided into 2 groups, including 50 patients with severe PAH who underwent heart valve replacement (HVR)in group A, and 50 patients with mild to moderate PAH who underwent HVR in group B. All the patients received insertion of ARROW 5 Fr three-cavity catheter by piercing the atrial septum via IJV for continuous monitoring of left atrial pressure (LAP), and insertion of ARROW 8 Fr high-flow sheath for PAFC implantation via IJV in the same side. LAP and pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)were continuously monitored after the patients entering the intensive care unit (ICU). The corelation and accuracy of LAP and PAWP were observed in the 2 groups. ResultsAll the patients successfully received continuous LAP and PAWP monitoring without serious catheter-related complications. There was no statistical difference in operation time or extracorporeal circulation time between group A and B (P > 0.05). There was statistical difference in postoperative mechanical ventilation time and length of ICU stay between the 2 groups (P < 0.05). Mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPmean), mean LAP (LAPmean), mean PAWP (PAWPmean), and mean difference between PAWP and LAP (PAWP-LAPmean)of group A were significantly higher than those of group B (P < 0.01). PAWP was well correlated with LAP in both groups, and the correlation in group A was significantly milder than that in group B (P < 0.01). ConclusionIt is safe and feasible for LAP and PAFC monitoring via IJV after cardiac surgery. PAWP can not accurately reflect left ventricular preload, and LAP is more accurate to monitor left ventricular preload for patients with severe PAH.