An Unsual Complication: Cardiac Tamponade During Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation

Abstract

Central venous cannulation via Right Internal Jugular Vein is a common technique performed for cardiac surgeries. Cardiac tamponade resulting during the central venous cannulation is a very rare complication and is poorly recognized. We present a case of cardiac tamponade after successful canulation of rt. internal jugular vein in a patient posted for intracardiac repair of Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) with mitral valve prolapse. Cardiac tamponade is recognized intraoperatively and should be suspected in a patient who deteriorates with no other obvious cause for deterioration. We conclude that the use of ultrasonographic guided Central Venous Cannulation would have prevented such an inadvertent puncture of the Aorta, which resulted in cardiac tamponade.