A Simplified Trans-Septal Puncture Technique using a Needle Free Approach for Cryoablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Adam J Graham1,1,1, Shohreh Honarbakhsh1, Ben O'Brien1
1This author takes responsibility for all aspects of the reliability and freedom from bias of the data presented and their discussed interpretation.
Background:
Trans-septal puncture (TSP) is routinely performed during treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) and other electrophysiology procedures. The purpose of this retrospective observational study was the analysis of a novel needle free technique employed to gain access to the left atrium (LA).
Methods:
The SafeSept Needle Free guidewire was delivered, using no needle, to the interatrial septum via a standard cryoablation sheath and dilator under transoesophageal guidance. The wire was then advanced into the LA with position confirmed by fluoroscopy. All cases were performed under general anaeasthetic (GA).
Results:
The novel procedure was performed in 43 patients (38 paroxysmal AF (88.4%) and 5 persistent AF (11.4%)) with 100% success rate in accessing the LA. The procedure times (51.70 ±18.18) and fluoroscopy times (2.75 ± 3.35) were recorded. There were no complications seen in the cohort.
Conclusion:
Using SafeSept Needle Free wire for TSP had a high success rate and resulted in no complications, with the potential to reduce procedure and fluoroscopy times.
