Right atrial perforation at the end of an atrial fibrillation ablation procedure

Europace. 2011 Jun;13(6):901-2. doi: 10.1093/europace/eur006. Epub 2011 Feb 4.

Abstract

A 74-year-old man with chronic atrial fibrillation underwent ablation under conscious sedation. After sheath removal from the left atrium, the patient flexed his thighs, resulting in a 'foetal position' developing tamponade due to an right atrial (RA) appendage perforation from sheath migration. This illustrates the importance of close monitoring during sedation weaning, recommending removal of all sheaths prior to sedation withdrawal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrial Appendage / injuries*
  • Atrial Appendage / surgery
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures
  • Catheter Ablation / adverse effects*
  • Conscious Sedation
  • Device Removal
  • Heart Atria / injuries*
  • Heart Atria / surgery
  • Heart Injuries / etiology*
  • Heart Injuries / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Errors
  • Restraint, Physical
  • Treatment Outcome