Journal of Indian College of Cardiology (Jan 2021)

Massive hemothorax following failed internal jugular vein access during an electrophysiological procedure: “Early detection – catastrophe averted”

  • Ponnana Hemanth Harish,
  • Oruganti Sai Satish

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/JICC.JICC_50_20
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 3
pp. 139 – 141

Abstract

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We report an unusual case of massive hemothorax in a female patient undergoing electrophysiological (EP) procedure for drug-refractory supraventricular tachycardia. She underwent percutaneous intervention with a drug-eluting stent to the right coronary artery 6 months back and was on dual antiplatelet drugs. Timely detection and management of hemothorax prevented a major catastrophe in this patient. This case highlights the importance of keeping a strict vigil for possible occurrence of life-threatening bleeding complications during EP procedure in patients on multiple antiplatelet drug therapy.

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