Hypoxia and hypotension following industrial-grade anhydrous ethanol ablation of the vein of Marshall in the treatment of atrial fibrillation: a case report.

Abstract

This case presents a patient who experienced hypoxia and hypotension following the infusion of industrial-grade anhydrous ethanol into the vein of Marshall (VOM) during atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation. The hypotension lasted for at least three days, requiring dopamine support, while hypoxia persisted for over a week. The prolonged nature of these symptoms posed a diagnostic challenge. A thorough review of the patient's medications and an extensive literature search suggested that the use of industrial-grade anhydrous ethanol may have been the cause. This case highlights the potential risks associated with the use of non-medical grade substances in clinical procedures, emphasizing the importance of careful material selection to avoid severe complications.