Survival of 2 extreme preterm neonates with cardiac tamponade as a complication of percutaneous central venous catheterization

Abstract

We report 2 extreme preterm neonates who developed cardiac tamponade secondary to perforation of the myocardium by the percutaneous silastic central venous catheters, which were inserted for parental nutrition. Percutaneous pericardiocentesis was performed and pericardial effusion was aspirated, later proved by analysis to be total parental nutrition. The lines were removed and the patients successfully resuscitated and survived, both were sent home in good condition.