Transseptal catheterization with transesophageal guidance in high risk patients

Authors

Kenneth Hahn, Advocate Aurora Health
Tanvir Bajwa, Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Centers, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public HealthFollow
Joseph S. Sarnoski, Advocate Aurora Health
Donald H. Schmidt, Advocate Aurora Health
Abraham Gal, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Hahn K, Bajwa T, Sarnoski J, et al. Transseptal catheterization with transesophageal guidance in high risk patients. Echocardiography. 1997 Sep;14(5):475-480.

Affiliations

Milwaukee Heart Institute of Sinai Samaritan Medical Center

Abstract

Atrial transseptal catheterization is usually performed with fluoroscopic guidance of the needle. We report our experience with both fluoroscopic and transesophageal guidance in patients who would otherwise have been at risk by using only fluoroscopy. A total of eleven procedures were performed during a 4 year period. The relative contraindications (some patients had several contraindications) included prior valve replacement (5 patients), prior myocardial revascularization (4 patients), severe dilatation of the left atrium (4 patients), severe dilatation of the ascending aorta (4 patients), and kyphoscoliosis (3 patients). All eleven patients had the transesophageal guided transseptal catheterization performed without complications and without significantly prolonging the procedure. The results of this preliminary, small, and retrospective study suggest that transesophageal echocardiography may enhance the safety of transseptal catheterization in high risk patients. Further prospective studies are needed.

Document Type

Article

PubMed ID

11174986