This blog is to share the latest research and development of acupuncture and raise the awareness of alternative treatments for your conditions, and is for information only.

Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Acupuncture needle caused cardiac perforation, a rare complication of acupuncture

An acupuncture needle caused cardiac perforation in a 51-year-old female due to the needle left on the body following acupuncture session, according to a report published in the European Heart Journal.

Dr. O. Wigger and colleagues in the Bern University hospital, Switzerland reported a case of complication of acupuncture, in which a 51-year-old female was admitted into the hospital due to the ongoing chest pain and dyspnoea. Although ECG did not show significant changes a coronary angiography showed a needle-shaped foreign body projecting on the left ventricle. Computed tomography confirmed a presence of a needle-shaped radiopaque structure perforating the left ventricle and protruding into the left lower lobe of the lung. After discussing the finding of potential cause of symptoms patients immediately mentioned an acupuncture treatment for her chronic musculo-skeletal pain by an unprofessional and close friend.

Cardiac surgery was immediately performed including evacuation of haemothrax, completely removal of the needle. Patient recovered quickly from operation and was discharged 4 days after surgery.

This report warned us that nerve seek any acupuncture treatment from any unprofessional, non-qualified acupuncturist.

Reference:
O Wigger et al., Cardiac perforation as a rare complication of acupuncture. Eur Heart J. 2015 May 20. pii: ehv171.   http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehv171

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