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The Use of a Standard Radiofrequency Energy Delivery System to Facilitate Transseptal Puncture
Author(s) -
McWILLIAMS MICHAEL J.,
TCHOU PATRICK
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.193
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1540-8167
pISSN - 1045-3873
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-8167.2008.01323.x
Subject(s) - medicine , interatrial septum , perforation , heart septum , catheter , left atrium , surgery , cardiology , atrial fibrillation , punching , materials science , metallurgy
Transseptal puncture is a standard means of catheter access to the left atrium via the venous system, but carries a risk of cardiac perforation. Stretching and increased force to traverse the septum are required with elastic, aneurysmal, or thickened interatrial tissue. We describe a technique that facilitates transseptal puncture by applying brief pulses of radiofrequency energy from a standard electrosurgical cautery generator through the needle tip.