Left ventricular perforation and dissecting subepicardial hematoma after catheter ablation for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2011 Apr;59(4):280-3. doi: 10.1007/s11748-010-0667-y. Epub 2011 Apr 12.

Abstract

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory bypass tracts has become a widely accepted therapy for Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. The procedure typically has a high success rate with a low incidence of complications. Left ventricular perforation is a rare but serious complication of catheter ablation. Here we describe a patient who developed left ventricular perforation and a dissecting subepicardial hematoma with cardiac tamponade following catheter ablation for WPW syndrome. Immediate hematoma evacuation and direct repair of the fragile myocardium were performed under cardiopulmonary bypass, and the patient survived with no further complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures
  • Cardiac Tamponade / etiology
  • Cardiopulmonary Bypass
  • Catheter Ablation / adverse effects*
  • Heart Injuries / etiology*
  • Heart Injuries / surgery
  • Heart Ventricles / injuries
  • Hematoma / etiology*
  • Hematoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Reoperation
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome / surgery*