Complications with transseptal left heart catheterization

The complications in 191 consecutive transseptal catheterizations are described. These included puncture of the wall of the heart in 9 cases, with 1 death, hemopericardium observed at the time of operation, a fatal coronary occlusion from an embolus which originated in a Lehman catheter, electrocardiographic changes of coronary insufficiency, and thrombophlebitis of the right lower extremity with pulmonary embolism.