Catheter perforation of the heart

Out of 11,000 cardiac catheterizations in adult patients, perforation of the heart occurred in four cases (0.036%). Left atrial wall perforation by an NIH catheter occurred in one patient without sequelae. In three patients, right ventricular perforation by a Zucker-type catheter was observed, causing pericardial tamponade. This observation may discourage angiographers from the routine use of this type of catheter.