[Cardiac tamponade after perforation of ventricle by central venous catheters and transvenous pacemakers (author's transl].

Two cases of cardiac tamponade after perforation of the right ventricle by central venous catheter and transvenous pacemaker are reported. The apex of the right ventricle represents a "locus minoris resistentiae" for a perforation because of its thin wall and frequent infiltration of fat with relaxation of the small muscle bundle. An analysis of 41 heart perforations by central venous catheters and 47 by transvenous pacemakers from the literature demonstrates the particularly high mortality of the perforation by a central venous catheter referring to the possible production of hydropericardium. We think that extreme carefulness in the use of catheters, knowledge of the danger and vigorous treatment could reduce the mortality.