Combined catheterization of the heart utilizing a modified transbronchial technique, percutaneous left ventricular puncture, and venous and arterial catheterization

Ventricular Fibrillation During Left Atrial Puncture

“…It is generally believed that bronchoscopic puncture of the left atrium is a safer procedure, but deaths have been reported due to ventricular fibrillation associated with a reaction to local anaesthetic (Rubin and Shah, 1958), coma and asystole possibly due to a cerebral embolus (Crymes et al, 1959), and convulsions on withdrawal of bronchoscope and needle (Davila et al, 1958). Emboli may occur with this technique (Rubin and Shah, 1958), as also may knotting, or " shearing off," of the catheter or tamponade (Crymes et al, 1959), though this appears to be very rare.…”