Complications and Errors Associated with Cardiac Catheterization

Course overview

Complications of diagnostic coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can occur both in the outpatient setting or during hospitalization. Acute complications during the procedure are possible, as well as short- and long-term complications such as bleeding, hematomas, arrhythmias, stent thrombosis, and restenosis (Sorajja et al., 2020). The most severe of these complications include cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), myocardial infarction (MI), and death. Healthcare professionals working in areas that provide these procedures must be aware of the complications that can occur so they can act quickly and appropriately to promote optimal outcomes for their patients.