A safe, simple technique for transseptal catheterization

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2015 Mar;38(3):295-6. doi: 10.1111/pace.12576. Epub 2015 Jan 20.

Abstract

Transseptal catheterization is required for atrial fibrillation ablation and many ablations for atrial tachycardias, left atrial flutters, and accessory pathways. Using a Brockenbrough needle or other specialized device adds time, expense, and risk of potential complications such as atrial or aortic perforation, pericardial effusion, and tamponade to these procedures. We present a simple, low-risk technique for transseptal catheterization.

Keywords: ablation; transseptal catheterization.

MeSH terms

  • Accessory Atrioventricular Bundle / physiopathology
  • Accessory Atrioventricular Bundle / surgery*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Atrial Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Atrial Flutter / physiopathology
  • Atrial Flutter / surgery*
  • Cardiac Catheterization / methods*
  • Catheter Ablation*
  • Female
  • Heart Septum / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome