Transseptal interventions and the interatrial septum.
Demosthenes G Katritsis1, Apostolos Vrettos2, Robert H Anderson3
1Hygeia Hospital, Athens, Greece; Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
Heart Rhythm
|April 22, 2026
Summary
Understanding the interatrial septum anatomy is crucial for safe transseptal procedures. This review clarifies misconceptions, guiding safe transseptal puncture using cardiac development evidence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Anatomy
- Cardiac Development
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Traditional understanding of the interatrial septum is often inaccurate.
- Misconceptions about atrial septum composition can impede procedural safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive anatomical guide for safe transseptal puncture.
- To correct prevalent misconceptions regarding the interatrial septum.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on cardiac development.
- Analysis of anatomical evidence related to the interatrial septum.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of the interatrial septum's complex anatomy.
- Clarification of the septum's true nature and components based on developmental evidence.
Conclusions:
- Accurate knowledge of interatrial septum anatomy is essential for safe transseptal procedures.
- Evidence from cardiac development offers a clearer understanding for improved procedural safety.
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