Cardiac tamponade and central venous catheter.
Two patients survived after emergency surgery for cardiac tamponade which was caused by a central venous catheter perforating the right atrium and the right ventricle. A review of the literature shows 19 reported cases with only two survivals. The possible causes and guidelines for safer use of central venous catheters are discussed.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002496:Central Venous Pressure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010496:Pericardium / Q000601:surgery