Fossa ovalis radiofrequency perforation in a difficult case of conventional transseptal puncture for atrial fibrillation ablation

J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2008 Apr;21(3):249-53. doi: 10.1007/s10840-007-9194-x. Epub 2008 Feb 15.

Abstract

A 65-year-old man was referred for atrial fibrillation ablation to our center. Routine pre-procedure transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography examinations showed a normal interatrial septum and fossa ovalis anatomy. Access to left atrium was initially planned using a conventional transseptal needle puncture. During the procedure, several consecutive attempts in conjunction with intracardiac echocardiography support, failed to cross the septum. The procedure was then successfully carried out using a specifically designed radiofrequency transseptal catheter.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Heart Septum / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Punctures / methods*
  • Radiography, Interventional
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional