Right ventricle perforation

The authors concluded that the right ventricle had been perforated by the catheter and they pointed out that these events can be insidious, and can take several months before symptoms suddenly start, requiring quick diagnosis and immediate intervention. This includes immediate removal of the catheter and often also emergency surgical intervention. 

An 83-year-old Austrian woman developed syncope and cardiogenic shock shortly after acupuncture over the sternum. Echocardiography showed cardiac tamponade and pericardiocentesis revealed hemopericardium. At operation a small bleeding perforation of the right ventricle was found and closed. The acupuncture at the point Ren 17 was above a sternal foramen, which allowed the needle to penetrate the heart. 

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