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Purpose of the Review: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) provides real-time, fluoroless imaging of cardiac structures, allowing optimal catheter positioning and energy delivery during ablation procedures. This review summarizes the use of ICE in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Recent Findings: Growing evidence suggests that the use of ICE improves procedural safety and facilitates radiofrequency and cryoballoon AF ablation. ICE-guided catheter ablation is associated with reduced procedural duration and fluoroscopy use. Recent studies have examined the role of ICE in guiding novel ablation techniques, such as pulsed field ablation. Finally, the use of ICE allows for early detection and timely management of potentially serious procedural complications. Summary: Intracardiac echocardiography offers significant advantages during AF ablation procedures and its use should be encouraged to improve procedural safety and efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zero-X-ray is a common ablation approach, mostly employed for right atrial procedures. The need of fluoroscopy in left atrial ablation procedures is mainly linked to transseptal puncture. Our aim, in this case-report, is to illustrate a zero-X-ray transseptal approach with a novel transseptal access system, AcQCrossTM (Medtronic), which has an integrated needle-dilator design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Common to adult electrophysiology studies (EPSs), intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) use in paediatric and congenital heart disease (CHD) EPS is limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of ICE use and incidence of associated complications in paediatric and CHD EPS. Methods and results This single-centre retrospective matched cohort study reviewed EPS between 2013 and 2022. Demographics, CHD type, and EPS data were collected. Intracardiac echocardiography cases were matched 1:1 to no ICE controls to assess differences in complications, ablation success, fluoroscopy exposure, procedure duration, and arrhythmia recurrence. Cases and controls with preceding EPS within 5 years were excluded. Intracardiac echocardiography cases without an appropriate match were excluded from comparative analyses but included in the descriptive cohort. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to assess associations between variables and outcomes. A total of 335 EPS were reviewed, with ICE used in 196. The median age of ICE cases was 15 [interquartile range (IQR) 12–17; range 3–47] years, and median weight 57 [IQR 45–71; range 15–134] kg. There were no ICE-related acute or post-procedural complications. There were 139 ICE cases matched to no ICE controls. Baseline demographics and anthropometrics were similar between cases and controls. Fluoroscopy exposure (P = 0.02), procedure duration (P = 0.01), and arrhythmia recurrence (P = 0.01) were significantly lower in ICE cases. Conclusion Intracardiac echocardiography in paediatric and CHD ablations is safe and reduces procedure duration, fluoroscopy exposure, and arrhythmia recurrence. However, not every arrhythmia substrate requires ICE use. Thoughtful selection will ensure the judicious and strategic application of ICE to enhance outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of an innovative "all in one" integrated transseptal crossing device to achieve transseptal puncture (TSP). Methods: Twenty patients (10 males, mean age 65.65 ± 9.25 years), indicated to supraventricular left side tachyarrhythmia ablation, underwent TSP using a new-generation integrated crossing device, and a control cohort of twenty patients (10 males, mean age 65.5 ± 10.12 years) underwent TSP using the traditional TSP system. Results: In all the study patients, the novel TSP device led to a successful and safe access to the left atrium (LA). The mean transseptal time, defined as the time occurring between the groin puncture and the advancing of the guidewire into the left superior pulmonary vein (PV), was 3 min 33 s ± 44 s, 7 min 5 s ± 36 s in the control cohort. Additionally, we compared the cost of the two systems. No acute complications related to the TSP were noted in both cohorts. Conclusions: TSP performed with the new integrated transseptal system is feasible and safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Transseptal puncture (TSP) is routinely performed for left heart intervention, but it can sometimes be complex and life‐threatening. This study introduced a safe and effective method to facilitate TSP for left atrial access. Methods and results: A total of 200 patients (190 with atrial fibrillation, 10 with a left accessory pathway) were prospectively analyzed. In the guidewire group, TSP was performed using a SWARTZ sheath and a Brockenbrough needle with a 0.014‐inch coronary guidewire instead of an inner stylet. The needle tip position was confirmed by pushing the guidewire into the left superior pulmonary vein after initial puncture in 100 patients. In the contrast group, TSP was performed in 100 patients using standard devices by injecting contrast to confirm needle‐tip position. Left atrial access was achieved successfully in all patients in the two groups without serious complications. The guidewire group showed a higher first‐pass rate for left atrial access compared with the contrast group (81.1% vs. 75% p <.001, respectively). Conclusion: Coronary guidewire TSP is safe and is associated with a high success rate, and it is thus a useful alternative to conventional TSP. This method is useful for patients with septal aneurysms and contrast allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In patients with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) ablation procedures can be challenging. We sought to determine the feasibility and safety of left atrial ablations in patients with PLSVC, especially when PLSVC is unknown prior to the ablation procedure. Methods and results: In this retrospective analysis 15 adult patients (mean age 64.6 ± 14.5 years, 53.3% male) with PLSVC undergoing 27 ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation or left atrial flutter were included. In 5 (33.3%) patients PLSVC was only discovered during the procedure. Transseptal puncture (TSP) was declared "difficult" by the ablating physician in 13 of 27 (48.2%) procedures and was not successfully completed in the first attempt in two patients with known PLSVC. Once TSP was successfully completed, all relevant structures were reached both during mapping and ablation in all procedures independent of whether PLSVC was known prior to the procedure. One major complication (3.7%) occurred in 27 procedures in a patient with known PLSVC. In the patients with unknown PLSVC no complication occurred. Conclusion: In experienced hands, left atrial access and ablation in patients with PLSVC is feasible and safe, particularly with regard to patients in whom the PLSVC is unknown prior to the ablation procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arrhythmias are common in horses, but catheter‐based minimally invasive electrophysiological studies and therapeutic interventions have been poorly explored in equine medicine, partly due to the lack of detailed anatomical knowledge of the equine heart. Objectives: To describe the dimensions and anatomical features of some electrophysiologically important landmarks of the right atrium in detail and assess their correlation with bodyweight and aortic diameter. Study design: Ex vivo cadaveric study. Methods: Twenty‐one hearts of Warmblood horses, subjected to euthanasia for noncardiovascular reasons, were examined post‐mortem. The dimensions and anatomical features of the coronary sinus, the great cardiac vein and the oval fossa were recorded. Spearman's Rho correlation coefficients were calculated for correlations between the quantitative parameters and bodyweight and aortic diameter. Results: Median dimensions for coronary sinus, great cardiac vein and oval fossa were obtained. A Thebesian valve, partially covering the ostium of the coronary sinus, was present in 9 of the 21 hearts. A median of 6.5 (range 4‐9) valves were present in the great cardiac vein. Several parameters, among which the dimensions of the oval fossa and the length of the great cardiac vein, were significantly positively correlated with bodyweight and aortic diameter. Main limitations: Measurements do not consider the dynamic changes during the cardiac cycle as measurements were performed ex vivo. All specimens were retrieved from Warmblood horses, therefore measurements might not apply to other breeds. Conclusions: This study delivers a detailed description of important right atrial‐related structures, necessary for the development of minimally invasive intracardiac procedures in horses. Adequate imaging techniques will have to be explored in order to guide these procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Atrial flow regulator (AFR) (Occlutech, Helsingborg, Sweden) are self-expanding, circular devices. A flexible waist in the centre connects the two discs and has a centrally located shunt. Case summary We report a case of an 80-year-old woman undergoing a repeat left atrial ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation with an implanted AFR. The AFR was implanted 1 year prior to the procedure for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction as part of the AFR-PRELIEVE trial. A single, fluoroscopy-guided, transseptal puncture was performed infero-posterior to the device, allowing the positioning of the mapping (LASSO® 20 mm, Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA, USA) and ablation (Thermocool Smarttouch SF, CARTO®, Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA, USA) catheter in the left atrium. Three-dimensional mapping (CARTO®, Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA, USA) and left atrial ablation were successfully performed. After the procedure, fluoroscopy and transthoracic echocardiography showed an unchanged device position. Discussion To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a transseptal puncture in a patient with an implanted AFR. Transseptal puncture in patients with an implanted AFR seems to be safe and feasible. With device diameters of 21–23 mm and based on previous studies on similar devices, transseptal puncture should be possible in most patients, as opposed to puncture through the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to provide quantitative data and to look for new landmarks useful during transseptal puncture (TSP) using a fluoroscopy‐guided approach. Methods and results: A total of 104 patients at mean age 57 ± 12 years, of whom 92% underwent pulmonary vein isolation, were analysed. Before TSP catheters were placed in the coronary sinus (CS) and His bundle region. A guidewire running from femoral vein through great veins was left loose in superior vena cava. Before TSP X‐ray images were taken in right anterior oblique (RAO) 45° and RAO 53° projections. Locations posterior to TSP site in RAO were described with negative values and those anterior with positive values. The measured distances in millimeters were as follows: (a) between TSP site and posterior atrial wall (RAO 45 = –21 ± 7 mm; RAO 53 = –19 ± 6 mm (b) between TSP site and free guidewire (RAO 45 = –5 ± 4 mm, RAO 53 = –3 ± 4 mm (c) between TSP site and CS ostium (RAO 45 = 9 ± 6 mm; RAO 53 = 8 ± 5 mm (d) between TSP site and His region (RAO 45 = 29 ± 8 mm; RAO 53 = 30 ± 8 mm). We observed correlations between measured distances and age, body mass index and sizes of cardiac chambers. The distance between TSP site and the line projected by the guidewire running between great veins, measured in mid‐RAO projections, was very small. Conclusion: The distances between TSP site and standard anatomical landmarks used during TSP vary with regard to age, physique and cardiac chamber dimensions. TSP site, as assessed in mid RAO, is in direct vicinity to the line projected by a guidewire running between the great veins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of our study was to demonstrate the added value of routine transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for correctly positioning the transseptal system in the fossa ovalis (FO), thus potentially preventing complications during fluoroscopy-guided transseptal puncture (TP), and for assessing the optimal puncture site within the FO according to the expected procedure type. Methods: Ninety-one patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedures by cryoballoon technique for drug-resistant paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) were prospectively included. In 57 patients, the TP procedure was performed under fluoroscopic guidance and septal localization was confirmed by contrast injection through the needle and demonstration of septal tenting in both the anteroposterior and left lateral fluoroscopic projections. In 34 patients, TP was performed under TEE guidance and positioning was targeted to perform the TP procedure in the more anterior and inferior locations of the FO. Two patient groups were compared according to the incidence of complications directly attributable to transseptal catheterization, thromboembolic complications, recurrence rates after the ablation procedure, total procedural time, and fluoroscopy time. Results: Fluoroscopy time (p

Aims: Catheter ablation is underutilized in atrial septal defect (ASD) patients who have undergone implantation of an atrial septal occluder (ASO). This study evaluates the feasibility and safety of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in this subset of patients.Methods and results: Sixteen patients (age 56 ± 12 years, 10 men) with drug-refractory AF (10 paroxysmal and 6 persistent) and previously implanted ASO were enrolled. Balloon dilatation of the closure device was performed if the native septum passage could not be achieved. For paroxysmal AF, the ablation strategy was circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI), and for persistent AF, additional linear ablation was performed. Transseptal access was achieved through the native septum in 11 patients (Group A) and through the ASO using balloon dilatation in 5 patients (Group B). Circumferential pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in all 16 patients, and linear block was achieved in all persistent patients except for 1 patient who did not achieve mitral isthmus block. The transseptal, total fluoroscopy, and procedural durations were 5 ± 3 vs. 38 ± 8 min, 31 ± 11 vs. 54 ± 15 min, and 165 ± 35 vs. 224 ± 36 min, respectively, in Group A vs. Group B, respectively (all P < 0.05). No shunt at atrial level was detected by transthoracic echocardiography at 3-month follow-up. During a follow-up of 16 ± 6 months, sinus rhythm was maintained in 12 of 16 patients. No severe complications were observed.Conclusion: In ASD patients with ASO, catheter ablation of AF is feasible, safe, and effective. The balloon dilatation technique can facilitate transseptal access through the ASO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The transseptal approach is used for left atrial access during the ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) and other left-sided arrhythmia substrates. Transseptal puncture (TP) is commonly performed with fluoroscopic guidance, contrast injection, and pressure monitoring. In many centres, additional techniques [intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE), radiofrequency needle] are used to facilitate TP but its use adds costs. In this retrospective study, we studied the safety and complication rate when TP was routinely done with fluoroscopic guidance, contrast injection, and pressure monitoring using ICE or TEE only in selected cases.Methods and Results: This study analysed 4690 consecutive TP performed between 2000 and 2015: 3408 (72.6%) were ablation of AF, left-sided atrial flutter, or left-sided atrial tachycardia (non-AP group); 1153 (24.6%) were ablation of left-sided accessory pathway, AP group; and 129 (2.8%) were ablation of ventricular tachycardia. Transseptal puncture was done under fluoroscopy, pressure monitoring, and commonly using contrast media injection. In 27 procedures, ICE or TEE was used to guide the TP. We found 34 tamponades (Tx) that required pericardial drainage of which 28 (0.59%) could possibly be TP related and six could not. The total complication rate for all Tx was 0.72%. A higher rate of tamponades was observed in the AF (non-AP) group than in the AP group (0.88 vs. 0.17%, P < 0.02). The highest rate of tamponades was registered during the operators 51-100 cases, 1.3%, and decreased to 0.4% in cases 101-200, P = 0.04.Conclusion: TP can safely be done under fluoroscopy and pressure monitoring without routine use of additional techniques. With experience, operators should be able to further decrease complication rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Achieving complete mitral isthmus (MI) conduction block for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation remains challenging. We hypothesized that transseptal puncture (TSP) at the anteroinferior aspect of the atrial septum (anteroinferior TSP) could shorten the distance to the MI and improve catheter contact and stability, enabling complete MI block. This study investigated the efficacy of anteroinferior TSP for MI ablation in AF patients.Methods: Three hundred and twenty consecutive patients (mean age: 62 ± 9 years, 84 % male) with persistent AF undergoing AF ablation, including MI ablation, were enrolled. MI ablation was performed through the conventional (posterior) TSP site (group C, n = 170) or the anteroinferior TSP site (group A, n = 150).Results: Left atrial diameter (LAD) enlargement was greater in group A than in group C (45.8 ± 5.3 mm vs. 44.1 ± 5.0 mm, p = 0.002). Complete MI block at the initial session was significantly higher in group A than in group C (141/150 [94 %] vs. 144/170 [85 %], p = 0.011). At the repeat session for AF recurrence, the rate of persistent complete MI block was significantly higher in group A than in group C (36/48 [75 %] vs. 28/67 [42 %], p < 0.001). LAD (p = 0.011) and left ventricular diastolic dimension (p = 0.037) were significant predictors of failed MI block, while anteroinferior TSP was significantly associated with successful MI block (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Anteroinferior TSP could improve the initial success rate and long-term persistence of complete MI block for AF ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of our study was to demonstrate the added value of routine transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for correctly positioning the transseptal system in the fossa ovalis (FO), thus potentially preventing complications during fluoroscopy-guided transseptal puncture (TP), and for assessing the optimal puncture site within the FO according to the expected procedure type. Methods Ninety-one patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedures by cryoballoon technique for drug-resistant paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) were prospectively included. In 57 patients, the TP procedure was performed under fluoroscopic guidance and septal localization was confirmed by contrast injection through the needle and demonstration of septal tenting in both the anteroposterior and left lateral fluoroscopic projections. In 34 patients, TP was performed under TEE guidance and positioning was targeted to perform the TP procedure in the more anterior and inferior locations of the FO. Two patient groups were compared according to the incidence of complications directly attributable to transseptal catheterization, thromboembolic complications, recurrence rates after the ablation procedure, total procedural time, and fluoroscopy time. Results Fluoroscopy time ( p <0.001), total cryoablation time ( p =0.002), and total procedural time ( p <0.001) were shorter in the TEE-guided group. Left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV) cryoablation time ( p =0.007) and right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV) cryoablation time (p=0.004) were significantly shorter and the number of applications to the LIPV ( p =0.007) and RIPV (p=0.005) were significantly fewer in the TEE-guided group. Although there was a trend toward higher complication rates (20.6% vs. 31.6%, p =0.37) and recurrence rates (11.8% vs. 20.1%, p =0.26) in the fluoroscopy-guided group, the differences between the groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions TEE-guided TP for AF ablation is associated with shorter fluoroscopy time, shorter total cryoablation time, and shorter total procedural time. Importantly, TEE-guided TP facilitates cryoablation of the inferior pulmonary veins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The previous literature has suggested that the iatrogenic atrial septal defects (IASDs) may follow left atrial (LA) access by transseptal (TS) puncture, especially in the case of a single TS for more than one catheter. The aim of the present study is to describe the prevalence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) and IASDs in a cohort of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients undergoing redo catheter ablation (CA) procedures in a high-volume centre accessing LA by a standardized single TS puncture. Methods and results Patients (n = 197) who underwent at least one redo AFCA, between 2004 and 2012, were retrospectively enroled. Transoesophageal echocardiography was performed before each procedure during which LA was accessed via a PFO, if present, or by single TS for both the mapping and ablation catheters. At baseline, PFO was detected in 43 (21.8%) patients. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters recorded did not differ within patients presenting with or without PFO. Left atrium was accessed via PFO in 39 (90.7% of those with PFO) patients during the first procedure. New-onset IASD occurred in 11 (5.6%) patients following the first procedure and in 1 (2.2%) patient following the second procedure. The clinical and echocardiographic parameters did not differ within the patients irrespective of whether IASD was reported or not. No TS-related complications occurred. Conclusion In the present cohort, LA access by PFO or single TS for both the mapping and ablation catheters lead to a small risk of asymptomatic IASD, not increased by redo procedures, confirming that it represents a safe approach. No clinical and/or echocardiographic parameters seemed to predict IASD occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The author discusses the technological developments to improve transseptal puncture and left atrial access using large diameter sheaths for mapping, ablation, left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion procedures. Also cited are a study on the use of transseptal dilator from Baylis Medical to aid left atrial (LA) access for large sheaths, and the positioning of a Watchman delivery sheath in LA during standard LA appendage occlusion procedure.

Aims Transseptal puncture (TP) appears to be safe in experienced hands; however, it can be associated with life-threatening complications. The aim of our study was to demonstrate the added value of routine use of transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the correct positioning of the transseptal system in the fossa ovalis, thus potentially preventing complications during fluoroscopy-guided TP performed by inexperienced operators. Methods and results Two hundred and five patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation procedure (PVI) for drug-resistant paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation were prospectively included. When the operator (initially blinded to TEE) assumed that the transseptal system was in a correct position according to fluoroscopical landmarks, the latter was then checked with TEE unblinding the physician. If necessary, further refinement of the catheter position was performed. Refinement >10 mm, or in case of catheter pointing directly at the aortic root or posterior wall were considered as major repositioning. Thirty-four patients required major repositioning. Regression analysis revealed age (P: 0.0001, Wald: 12.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–1.16), left atrial diameter (P: 0.01, Wald: 6.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–1.34), previous PVI (P: 0.01, Wald: 6.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.31–8.76), and atrial septal thickness (P: 0.03, Wald: 4.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–3.4) as independent predictors of major revision with TEE. Conclusion Routine 2D TEE in addition to traditional fluoroscopic TP appears to be very useful to guide the TP assembly in a correct puncture position and thus, to avoid TP-related complications. However, further randomized prospective comparative studies are necessary to support these suggestions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims An increasing number of transseptal punctures (TSPs) are performed worldwide for atrial ablations. Transseptal punctures can be complex and can be associated with potentially life threatening complications. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel transseptal guidewire (TSGW) designed to facilitate TSPs. Methods and results Transseptal punctures were performed using a SafeSept™ TSGW passed through a standard TSP apparatus. Transseptal punctures were performed by standard technique with additional use of a TSGW allowing probing of the interatrial septum without needle exposure and penetration of the fossa into the left atrium (LA). Transseptal puncture using the TSGW was performed in 210 patients. Left atrial access was achieved successfully in 205 of 210 patients (97.6%) and in 96.3% of patients undergoing repeat TSP. Left atrial access was achieved with the first pass in 81.2% (mean 1.4 ± 0.9 passes, range 1–6) using the TSGW. No serious complications were attributable to the use of the TSGW, even in cases of failed TSP. Conclusions The TSGW is associated with a high success rate for TSP and may be a useful alternative to transoesophageal or intracardiac echocardiogram-guided TSP. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims: Although it has been shown that a transseptal (TS) puncture in the electrophysiology laboratory is associated with a high success and a low complication rate, this procedure remains challenging particularly in difficult septum anatomies (aneurismal septum and thick septum) and during repeat TS catheterization. Radiofrequency (RF) electrocautery current delivery through the TS needle has been shown to facilitate the TS puncture. The aim of this study was to verify prospectively the feasibility, safety, and outcome of RF energy delivery associated with the standard TS technique in patients undergoing a challenging TS puncture. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Newer technologies such as three-dimensional mapping and echocardiography can decrease x-ray exposure during catheter ablation. Many right-sided tachycardias can now be ablated without fluoroscopy. Left-sided tachycardias, however, have not yet been ablated using a zero fluoroscopy approach. Objective: This study sought to examine the utility of trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) in providing adequate imaging as an alternative to fluoroscopy for transseptal puncture. When combined with NavX guidance (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA), fluoroscopy may not be necessary. Methods: Ten pediatric patients with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) had accessory pathways mapped to the left side. Right atrial and coronary sinus geometries were created using NavX. Once a left-sided pathway was confirmed, a transseptal puncture was performed. A guide wire was placed in the SVC and confirmed by TEE. A transseptal sheath and dilator were advanced over the wire and positioned with TEE guidance so that the tip of the dilator was tenting the fossa ovalis. A transseptal needle was advanced across the fossa. Left atrial location of the needle tip was confirmed on TEE by saline contrast injection. The sheath and dilator were advanced over the needle with continuous pressure monitoring and TEE. Once the sheath was appropriately positioned, the ablation was completed using NavX guidance. Results: All patients had acutely successful ablations and none required the use of fluoroscopy. Number of cryo lesions ranged from five to 19, with a mean of 9. Mean procedure time was 4.4 hours, with a range of 3.2 hours to 7.2 hours. There were no complications. One patient had recurrence. Conclusions: Three-dimensional mapping combined with TEE shows potential for eliminating fluoroscopy use during catheter ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A substantial number of patients require a second left atrial procedure after ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), either for left atrial flutter or recurrent AF. The success and complication rates of repeat transseptal catheterization in these patients are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the difficulty and/or success rates of repeat transseptal catheterization after left atrial ablation for AF. Methods and Results: Consecutive patients undergoing repeat left atrial procedures after ablation for AF over a 1-year period were enrolled. Difficulties with, success rates, and complications of the first and second transseptal catheterizations were recorded. Sixteen patients underwent a repeat transseptal catheterization. Of the 4 in whom the first procedure was performed with an ablation catheter across a patent foramen ovale (PFO), 3 required a transseptal puncture for their repeat procedure. The remaining 12 underwent transseptal puncture without difficulty for their first procedure, and, despite the same operators for each patient, the repeat transseptal was noted to be difficult in 5. Of those 5, the transseptal puncture was unsuccessful due to increased interatrial septal thickness in 2 patients. One repeat transseptal attempt was aborted after posterior right atrial puncture with the transseptal needle occurred, attributed to distorted interatrial septal anatomy not observed prior to the first case. Conclusions: Compared with the first procedure, repeat transseptal catheterization after ablation for AF, whether initially performed across a PFO or via a transseptal puncture, is more difficult, less often successful, and potentially associated with more complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose is to give an overview of application of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in routine electrophysiology (EP) practice. Validation of ICE in improving the safety of transseptal puncture is shown separately. Methods and Results: During the observed period (11/2009-03/2013) ICE was used in 83 procedures. 75 were AF ablations in which ICE was used initially to facilitate transseptal puncture and later on to check catheter contact with tissue and to monitor for the complications (pericardial effusion, thrombus formation at materials used in the left atrium). There were 4 left atrial tachycardias ablations, 2 left ventricular tachycardias and 1 accessory pathway and AVNRT ablation assisted by ICE. Conclusion: ICE is essential tool in EP lab. Its use not only improves safety yet efficacy through helping catheter navigation and validating the catheter-tissue contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]