[A new method for the localization of atrial septal puncture by using atrial septal electrocardiogram]

A new method for the localization of atrial septal puncture was reported, which is the key technique for percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty. When the exploratory electrode was laid against the fossa ovalis floor (FOF), the atrial septal electrocardiogram registered only a slight or no injury curve; when the exploratory electrode pressed on any other area of the atrial septum or atrial walls, a bizarre monophasic injury curve was elicited in the atrial septal electrocardiogram. Based on different patterns of the atrial septal electrocardiogram between the muscular atrial septum and FOF, the sites of atrial septal puncture were successfully localized by using a Brockenbrough needle as an exploratory electrode in all of the 10 cases without any complication. By using this technique, no cardioangiography is needed to show the outline of the left atrium and also the bilateral projection catheterization bed. So this method is convenient, practical and precise.