Modified technique of transseptal left heart catheterization

Transseptal left heart catheterization was performed in 106 instances in 101 patients using right anterior oblique fluoroscopy to define septal boundaries during interatrial septal puncture, and using a preshaped guide wire to catheterize the left ventricle. By using these two modifications of the classic transseptal technique, the left atrium was entered in 105 instances (99%) and the left ventricle was catheterized in all 87 attempts (100%), including attempts in eight patients with mitral stenosis (valve area 1.29 +/- 0.39 cm2 [mean +/- standard deviation] ). No deaths occurred as a direct result of transseptal catheterization; nonfatal complications occurred in 2.8% of patients (hemopericardium in one patient, ventricular fibrillation in one patient and transient vagal reaction in one patient). The use of the right anterior oblique projection to adequately visualize both the interatrial septum and the intended point of puncture, the use of a pigtail catheter positioned in the ascending aorta to define the relation of the puncture site to the aorta in this projection and the utilization of a flexible preshaped guide wire to catheterize the left ventricle are the major factors contributing toward this improved success rate and low incidence of complications.