Cardiac perforation with tamponade during cardiac catheterization.

Among 6,675 adult patients undergoing cardiac catheterization in our institution, three patients developed cardiac perforation and tamponade (incidence 0.04%). Two perforations involved the left atrium, and one the right atrium. Tamponade developed in the three patients. Hemodynamic confirmation of tamponade was available in two patients. Pericardiocentesis was performed in all three patients. Two patients required emergency surgery. All patients recovered.