title: Transesophageal echocardiography to improve positioning of radiofrequency ablation catheters in left-sided Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
abstract: Two patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome who underwent successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of their left-sided bypass tracts are described. Transesophageal echocardiography, a relatively new echocardiographic technique, was utilized in both patients and provided excellent visualization of intracardiac anatomy as well as the catheter tip. Transesophageal echocardiography was also synergistic with fluoroscopy and the intracardiac electrogram in providing more precise catheter placement. In addition, the use of transesophageal echocardiography may reduce fluoroscopic exposure and shorten the procedure time.
authors.affiliation: St. Joseph's Hospital and Heart Institute, Tampa, Florida 33607.
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Goldman
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Irwin
authors.forename: M U
authors.initials: MU
authors.lastname: Glover
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mick
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D004452:Echocardiography; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D014927:Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*