Management of Coronary Artery Perforations: A Stepwise, Case-Based Review From a High-Volume Center
Ahmed Elsherif1, Sophia Khattak2, Ameenathul Fawzy1
1Department of Cardiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospital, Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
JACC. Case Reports
|February 20, 2026
Summary
Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is a rare but serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. Prompt management with balloon tamponade and tailored interventions can effectively prevent mortality and the need for surgery.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is a rare but serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
- It occurs in 0.2%–0.5% of routine PCI cases and up to 3% of complex procedures.
- CAP can be life-threatening if not managed promptly and effectively.
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