Autotransfusion in the management of cardiac tamponade occurring during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

acute cardiac tamponade occurs in 0.1%-2% of patients undergoing catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation （AF） in experienced centers.1-4 Once it is diagnosed, emergency pericardiocentesis is required.5 With the intervention, sternotomy and open surgical repair can be avoided in the most patients6. Generally, pericardial blood is reinjected directly back into the patient through the femoral venous sheath in order to invert hemodynamic instability promptly.