Endomyocardial Biopsy

Overview

Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is a routine invasive surgery used to acquire small samples of heart muscle, particularly to identify donor heart rejection following heart transplantation. It is also used to diagnose some cardiac problems.

A bioptome is a device that allows access to the heart through a sheath put into the right internal jugular or, less commonly, the femoral vein. Monitoring throughout the surgery includes taking ECGs and blood pressures. Echocardiography or fluoroscopy is used to guide and confirm the correct positioning of the bioptome.

When performed by a qualified physician at a specialized center, the chance of problems is less than 1%. Heart perforation with pericardial tamponade, haemopericardium, AV block, tricuspid regurgitation, and pneumothorax are all serious consequences.