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Pigtail slip-knot catches the heart
Wen-Po Chuang1, Kuan-Ming Chiu
1Division of Cardiology, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Summary
A rare complication during pericardiocentesis occurred when a pigtail catheter formed a knot, trapping the heart. A small thoracotomy was required to free the patient and remove the device.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Procedures
Background:
- Pericardiocentesis is a procedure to drain fluid from the pericardial sac.
- Pigtail catheters are commonly used for drainage in various medical interventions.
- Echo-guidance enhances procedural safety and accuracy.
Observation:
- During removal of a pigtail catheter post-pericardiocentesis, the catheter formed an unintended slip-knot.
- This knot entrapped the entire heart, causing significant obstruction.
- The patient required immediate surgical intervention.
Findings:
- The pigtail catheter's design led to a rare knotting complication during removal.
- The knotting necessitated a deviation from standard pericardiocentesis procedures.
- A small thoracotomy was successfully performed to release the heart.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for rare mechanical complications with pigtail catheters.
- Underscores the importance of careful catheter manipulation and removal techniques.
- Suggests a need for awareness of such rare events in interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery.
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