Catheter entrapment in the mitral valve apparatus requiring surgical removal: An unusual complication of radiofrequency ablation

We describe a patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in whom a steerable catheter became entrapped in the mitral valve apparatus, during radiofrequency ablation. Treatment consisted of surgical removal of the catheter. The occurrence of this previously unreported complication stresses the need for on-going monitoring of risk and benefits of electrophysiological interventions.