Unusual Diaphragmatic Vein Injury from Epicardial Ablation Causing Hemoperitoneum Treated by Laparoscopy

Emanuele Asti, MD, FACS

Product Details
Product ID: ACS-6041
Year Produced: 2020
Length: 3 min.


A 58yo male suffering from Brugada Syndrome was admitted to our hospital to perform an epicardial ablation. The patient, with a personal history of atrial fibrillation and gastric band placement, had a recent finding of a Brugada pattern during a routine electrocardiography. He also underwent an ICD implant after resulting positive to an Ajmaline test for ventricular fibrillation. Right after the procedure, the patient developed severe hypotension and underwent a FAST showing active blushing. Further surgical evaluation found evidence of free fluid in abdomen and pelvis, confirmed with a CT scan. Hemoperitoneum is reported in literature as an atypical complication of epicardial ablation procedures (0.5%) and generally related to direct needle injury of the liver. Laparotomy is usually required in these patients. Laparoscopy represents a safe and feasible procedure for hemoperitoneum treatment and a valid alternative to open surgery even in emergency cases.