Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
An unusual 'rite of passage' for an ablation catheter during left ventricular tachycardia ablation - a case report
Yuedong Ma1, Zhong Chen2, Rui Shi2
1Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan II Road, Guangzhou, China.
Introduction:
Ventricular perforation during radiofrequency ablation of ventricular tachycardia is a recognized serious complication that carries high morbidity and mortality. Perforation is often associated with local intramyocardial injury due to excess heat induced by catheter, 'steam pop'. The complication usually requires emergency surgical repair.
Case Presentation:
We present a case, when the catheter found its way into the epicardium during left ventricular (LV) electroanatomic mapping without any serious complication. Angiography through the ablation catheter confirmed the diagnosis of LV coronary sinus fistula.
Discussion:
Contrast injection through the irrigation port of the ablation catheter is a useful way of delineating anatomical anomalies during electrophysiology procedure.
Related Concept Videos
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

