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Updated: May 5, 2026
Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs
Published on: April 25, 2014
Left Ventricular Perforation Following Transcutaneous Pigtail Catheter Placement Mimicking Anterior Wall Myocardial
Tien-Lung Po1,2, Huei-Fong Hung1,2, Yu-Tong Yen3,4
1Department of Internal Medicine Division of Cardiology Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei Taiwan.
Insights
A rare pigtail catheter complication led to left ventricular free wall perforation. Prompt diagnosis via fluoroscopy and CT, followed by emergent cardiorrhaphy, ensured patient survival from this cardiac event.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Catheter-based procedures are prevalent in modern medicine, encompassing interventions and fluid drainage.
- A significant risk associated with catheter use is organ puncture due to misplacement.
- Pigtail catheters are commonly used but can lead to severe complications if misplaced.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of left ventricular free wall perforation caused by a pigtail catheter.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and management of this specific catheter complication.
- To emphasize the importance of vigilance during catheter-based procedures.
Main Methods:
- A patient presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction symptoms.
- Coronary angiography revealed no coronary artery blockages.
- Fluoroscopy and computed tomography (CT) confirmed pigtail catheter misplacement within the left ventricle.
Main Results:
- The pigtail catheter perforated the left ventricular free wall.
- Initial coronary angiography did not reveal the cause of the patient's symptoms.
- CT imaging was crucial for diagnosing the catheter perforation.
- Emergent cardiorrhaphy was successfully performed to repair the perforation.
Conclusions:
- Pigtail catheter perforation of the left ventricle is a rare but life-threatening complication.
- Multimodal imaging, including CT, is essential for diagnosing such misplacement events.
- Timely surgical intervention (cardiorrhaphy) can lead to successful outcomes in patients with ventricular perforation.
Abstract:
In modern medical practice, procedures that involve the use of catheters are common. These procedures can range from percutaneous coronary and peripheral vascular interventions to using catheters to drain fluid. However, complications associated with catheter usage can arise, and the most severe one is the puncture of a vital organ due to catheter misplacement. In this case, we present a rare complication related to the use of a pigtail catheter, which caused perforation of the left ventricular free wall. The patient presented with an electrocardiogram showing ST segment elevation in the anterior wall, indicative of a heart attack. The patient underwent coronary angiography, which showed that the coronary arteries were unblocked. However, during the procedure, the medical team suspected that the pigtail catheter was stuck in the left ventricle chamber, based on the use of fluoroscopy. This suspicion was later confirmed using computer tomography. To address the issue, the patient underwent an emergent cardiorrhaphy, which was performed immediately. Fortunately, the patient survived the complication.
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