Entrapment of the PulseSelect™ catheter in the pulmonary vein: A rare complication due to soft tissue obstruction

Abstract

We encountered a case in which a guidewire and PulseSelect™ catheter became entrapped within a pulmonary vein during atrial fibrillation ablation. Although careful manual traction allowed successful retrieval without complications, the maneuver carried a risk of serious adverse events. Operators should be aware of this rare but important complication and avoid excessive catheter advancement into a distal pulmonary vein to minimize the risk of entrapment.