Diagnosis and Management of Left Ventricular Perforation During Mapping of Ventricular Tachycardia

BACKGROUND Cardiac perforation leading to cardiac tamponade is one of the possible complications of endocardial mapping during catheter-based ablation procedures. The early diagnosis of catheter-induced perforation is critical for effective management of these patients. We hereby present the diagnosis and management of left ventricular perforation during mapping of ventricular tachycardia in a patient with left ventricular aneurysm. CASE REPORT A 70-year-old man with a history of ischemic heart disease, arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity was referred to our institution for the ablative treatment of recurrent, sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia that was resistant to medication. One particularity was the presence of a left ventricular aneurysm secondary to a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, which was unusual and could increase the risk of cardiac perforation. During left ventricular mapping, several points were acquired in an apparently unusual position and the pericardial location of the mapping catheter was confirmed fluoroscopically. After setting a pericardial pigtail catheter, we successfully finished the ablation procedure using a second ablation catheter. The perforating catheter was thereafter removed by open surgery, and no significant bleeding occurred. The patient did not experience tachycardia during the follow-up period of 29 months. CONCLUSIONS Left ventricular aneurysms might increase the cardiac perforation risk during endocardial mapping in ventricular tachycardia ablation procedures. In patients with this condition, a careful manipulation of the catheters could prevent such complications. The periodic fluoroscopic assessment of the catheter's position is essential for early recognition of the perforation.