Superior vena cava rupture caused during balloon dilation for treatment of SVC syndrome due to repetitive catheter ablation--a case report.

A 29-year-old woman with an implanted AAI mode permanent pacemaker, who had undergone catheter ablation for inappropriate sinus tachycardia 4 times, experienced complications of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. Severe stenosis of the SVC wall was observed in computed tomograms. During balloon dilation for the treatment of SVC syndrome, the SVC was ruptured, resulting in cardiac tamponade. An emergency operation was performed using percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS). A longitudinal tear 1 cm in length was identified at the junction of the right atrium and the SVC, requiring a patch plasty using an autologous pericardium 2.5 cm x 3 cm in size. SVC rupture is a complication to be completely avoided when we perform balloon dilation for the treatment of SVC syndrome. Therefore, the indication of balloon dilation for the treatment of SVC syndrome requires critical examination and attention.