Use of an angioplasty wire to perforate the interatrial septum for a difficult transseptal puncture

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2010 Feb;33(2):243-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2009.02572.x. Epub 2009 Oct 10.

Abstract

With the expansion in catheter-based treatments for atrial fibrillation the number of transseptal punctures being performed by cardiac electrophysiologists has increased significantly. Although in general transseptal puncture is successful, in a small percentage of cases it cannot be achieved due to complex intraatrial anatomy. We report the case of a difficult transseptal puncture (TSP), performed where the conventional approach using a Brockenbrough needle sheath was unable to perforate the septum. TSP was only achieved using a novel technique assisted by an angioplasty wire.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angioplasty / instrumentation
  • Angioplasty / methods*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Atrial Septum / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation / instrumentation
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Punctures / instrumentation
  • Punctures / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome