coronary perforation
A procedural complication involving breach of the coronary artery wall, potentially causing pericardial bleeding and tamponade.
Full Definition
Coronary perforation is a serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention characterized by disruption of the arterial wall with extravasation of blood or contrast into the pericardial space. Perforations are classified by the Ellis classification system (Types I-III) based on severity and angiographic appearance. Risk factors include use of oversized balloons or stents, aggressive atherectomy, chronic total occlusion interventions, and tortuous anatomy. Management depends on perforation severity and may include balloon tamponade, covered stent deployment, or emergency surgical repair.
Usage
Usage note: Specify Ellis classification type when describing perforation severity.
In Context
- "Ellis Type II coronary perforation was managed with prolonged balloon inflation." — Complication management
- "The patient developed pericardial effusion secondary to coronary perforation." — Post-procedural assessment