Table 3.
Complications Related to Percutaneous Pericardiocentesis
| Complication Severity |
Complication | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | Nonsustained supraventricular tachycardia | 37 (17) |
| Pericardial catheter occlusion | 20 (9) | |
| Vasovagal response | 7 (3) | |
| Ventricular tachycardia | 6 (3) | |
| Small pneumothorax (on X-ray) | 1 (0.5) | |
| Transient chamber entry | 1 (0.5) | |
| Major | Bacteriema due to catheter placement | 2 (1) |
| Intercostal artery laceration requiring surgery | 1 (0.5) | |
| Pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement | 1 (0.5) | |
| Liver laceration requiring surgery | 1 (0.5) |
Values are n (%).