Unexpected Coronary Perforation Complicated by Cardiac Tamponade: A Case Report and How to Treat It

Coronary artery perforation is a rare but fatal complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. Cardiac tamponade constitutes the most severe clinical consequence. If not properly and promptly treated, it is burdened by a high mortality rate. This article report the case of an intra-stent coronary perforation after simple revascularization, followed by an immediate impairment of hemodynamic compensation, due to significant pericardial effusion and sub-sequent cardiac tamponade. While prompt surgical intervention may be lifesaving, expertise in the use of stent graft may provide a valuable rescue option for this serious complication. Interventional cardiologists should be able to recognize and know available treatment options of this serious complication.