Reported [human] cases [34] are reviewed. In many of them, the causes, symptoms, clinical courses and pathologic findings were similar; these common features were summarized. A few simple precautions can prevent perforation by catheters or greatly reduce its incidence. Suggestions as well as measures found successful in treating tamponade are discussed. Many of the reported deaths could have been avoided, had the perforations and incipient tamponades been diagnosed more promptly.