title: Catheter entrapment in a pulmonary vein: a unique complication of pulmonary vein isolation.
abstract: Ablation strategies for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) are associated with several potential complications. During electro-anatomic mapping of the left atrium (LA) before ablation, the ablation catheter was entrapped in the right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV). After multiple unsuccessful gentle tractions, stronger maneuvers with rotation of the catheter slowly allowed its retrieval. Examination of the catheter showed a thin, translucent membrane covering its tip, suggesting complete stripping of a vein branch. Occlusion of the superior branch of the RIPV was confirmed by LA angiogram. During the following days, no pericardial effusion was noted, but the patient complained of light chest pain and mild hemoptysis, spontaneously resolving within 48 h. This case shows that catheter entrapment and mechanical disruption of a PV branch can be a rare potential complication of AF ablation. In this case, the outcome was spontaneously favorable and symptoms only included transient mild hemoptysis.
authors.affiliation: Service de Cardiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Monney
authors.forename: Patrizio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pascale
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fromer
authors.forename: Etienne
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pruvot
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011667:Pulmonary Veins