Although the transthoracic epicardial mapping and ablation technique is a relatively safe procedure, complications can and do occur. The possible complications associated with this technique should be well understood before the procedure. If these complications are recognized early and managed appropriately, the outcome is usually excellent. This review describes the details of how to recognize, prevent, and manage the complications that occur during pericardial access, mapping and ablation, and post procedure. © 2010.
