Novel Subxiphoid Cut Down Approach to Facilitate Epicardial Catheter Ablation in an Obese Patient

Dry epicardial access to facilitate epicardium mapping and ablation is a well described technique with increasing use in modern electrophysiology. However, traditional percutaneous access can be challenging is obese patients or those with anatomical variations.

We report on a case where a subxiphoid cut down was utilized for epicardial access in a patient with morbid obesity. This approach allows us to reach the epicardial space when traditional needles do not suffice and enables a more controlled access, potentially minimizing the risk of damage to nearby structures.

Subxiphoid cut down to facilitate percutaneous epicardial access is a simple and effective option when traditional epicardial access is not feasible due to morbid obesity or anatomical variations.