Transatrial septal catheterization using a new radiofrequency probe

Percutaneous therapeutic techniques requiring transseptal catheterization have increased in recent years. The traditional and current method for transseptal catheterization involves needle puncture, an effective but complicated technique, which is associated with a small but significant incidence of both perforation of structures adjacent to the atrial septum and pericardial tamponade. Enhanced imaging has reduced but not eliminated the risk of these complications. We have used an alternative method for transseptal access to the left atrium, which employs a novel radiofrequency catheter system. In this report, we describe the system and its use in our initial series of patients. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.