Left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy in children with the transseptal long sheath technique

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Cardiac Biopsy Techniques

Background:

• Endomyocardial biopsy is crucial for diagnosing pediatric heart conditions.
• Traditional methods may have limitations in pediatric populations.
• A need exists for safe and effective biopsy techniques in infants and children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a long sheath technique for left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy in pediatric patients.
• To assess the feasibility of obtaining biopsies from different regions of the left ventricle.
• To report initial outcomes of this novel approach.

Main Methods:

• A long sheath was used as an introducer following transseptal puncture of the atrial septum.
• Left ventricular endomyocardial biopsies were performed in 19 pediatric patients (ages 7 months to 12 years).
• Right ventricular biopsies were also performed using the same technique in 11 additional patients.

Main Results:

• The procedure was successful in 18 out of 19 patients, with only one failure.
• The long sheath technique allowed for versatile positioning of the bioptome within the left ventricular chamber.
• The technique was also applied successfully for right ventricular biopsies.

Conclusions:

• The long sheath technique following transseptal puncture is a safe and effective method for left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy in infants and children.
• This approach facilitates targeted tissue sampling from various left ventricular locations.
• The technique offers a valuable option for pediatric cardiac diagnostics.