title: Radiofrequency ablation of left-sided accessory pathways: transaortic versus transseptal approach.
abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of transaortic (n = 54) and transseptal (n = 28) techniques during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of left accessory pathways (n = 75) in both left posteroseptal and free-wall locations in 73 consecutive patients (mean age 32 +/- 15 years). The transseptal approach included transseptal puncture and use of a retained long sheath in the left atrium (n = 24) or direct insertion of the mapping/ablation catheter via a patent foramen ovale (n = 4). Transseptal RF ablation was used as the primary method in 23 patients or at a separate session after the transaortic RF ablation failed in 5 patients. Transaortic RF ablation was used as primary method in 50 patients and after failed transseptal ablation in 4 patients. Transaortic ablation was successful in 47 (87%) of 54 procedures, transseptal ablation in 24 (86%) of 28 procedures, with total RF ablation success in 70 (96%) of 73 patients. The transseptal puncture/long sheath method was successful in 23 (96%) of 24 patients. This latter technique resulted in more stable positioning and easier manipulation of the ablation catheter. Switching from transseptal puncture/long sheath to transaortic technique was needed in 1 of 24 patients, from transseptal/patent foramen ovale approach to the transaortic route in 3 of 4 patients, and from the transaortic to the transseptal approach at a separate session in 5 patients. The age of patients and number of RF lesions were similar in the two groups. Fluoroscopy time was lower for the transseptal group (81 +/- 57 vs 121 +/- 81 min; p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Manolis
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Estes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011226:Pre-Excitation Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors