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.
Insights
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.
Background:
Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention, occurring in 0.2% to 0.5% of routine cases and up to 3% of complex procedures such as chronic total occlusion interventions.
Case Summary:
We report 9 consecutive cases of CAP managed at a high-volume tertiary center in the United Kingdom and involving varied coronary territories, mechanisms, and Ellis grades (I-V). All cases were initially managed with balloon tamponade. Definitive treatments included covered stents (n = 4), coil embolization (n = 2), and autologous clot embolization (n = 1), with no surgical bailout. Ellis class III perforations accounted for 4 cases, all requiring active intervention. Pericardial effusion occurred in 5 patients, with 3 patients requiring urgent pericardiocentesis. No in-hospital mortality was observed.
Discussion:
CAP management should be guided by the severity of perforation, the anatomical site, and the patient's hemodynamics. A structured algorithm involving early balloon tamponade, lesion-specific device selection, and structured escalation can prevent mortality and surgical bailout.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Angina IV: Management


