Transcatheter Electrosurgery: A Narrative Review
Christopher G Bruce1, Jaffar M Khan1, Toby Rogers1,2
1Cardiovascular Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (C.G.B., J.M.K., T.R., D.K.Y., R.J.L.).
Circulation. Cardiovascular Interventions
|February 17, 2023
Summary
Transcatheter electrosurgery uses radiofrequency energy to cut and traverse tissue remotely, expanding minimally invasive procedures. This versatile technique enables various interventions without open surgery, offering new therapeutic options.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Interventions
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Electrosurgery
Background:
- Transcatheter electrosurgery allows remote tissue manipulation without open surgery.
- It utilizes focused radiofrequency energy delivery to specialized devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the principles of transcatheter electrosurgery.
- To highlight its diverse clinical applications and therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of device principles (e.g., Flying-V guidewire, snare).
- Explanation of radiofrequency energy application for tissue traversal and cutting.
- Review of adjunctive and definitive therapeutic techniques.
Main Results:
- Tissue traversal is achieved by energizing a guidewire tip.
- Tissue cutting is performed using energized kinked guidewires or snares during traction.
- Applications include crossing valves, recanalizing occlusions, and gaining transseptal access.
Conclusions:
- Transcatheter electrosurgery is a versatile tool in interventional cardiology.
- It enables a wide range of minimally invasive procedures.
- Potential for definitive therapies like myocardial slicing or mass excision.
