Pericardial effusion caused by accidently placing a Micra transcatheter pacing system into the coronary sinus

• Main Authors: Xueying Chen, Jingfeng Wang, Yixiu Liang, Yangang Su, Junbo Ge
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-09-01
• Series: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
• Subjects: Case report; Leadless pacemaker; Pericardial effusion; Coronary sinus
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-021-02266-1

Abstract Background Leadless pacemaker has been acknowledged as a promising pacing strategy to prevent pocket and lead-related complications. Although rare, cardiac perforation remains a major safety concern for implantation of Micra transcatheter pacing system (TPS). Case presentation A 83-year-old female with low body mass index (18.9 kg m−2) on dual anti-platelet therapy, was indicated for Micra TPS implantation due to sinus arrest and paroxysmal atrial flutter. The patient developed mild pericardial effusion during the procedure since the delivery catheter was accidentally placed into the coronary sinus for several times. Cardiac perforation with moderate pericardial effusion and pericardial tamponade was detected 2 h post-procedure. The patient was treated with immediately pericardiocentesis and recovered without further invasive therapy. Conclusion Pericardial effusion caused by accidently placing a delivery catheter into the coronary sinus is rare but should be carefully considered in Micra TPS implantation, especially for those with periprocedural anti-platelet therapy.