title: Using transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography to guide the placement of coronary sinus catheters: a randomized study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the value of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as an image guide in placing a coronary sinus catheter into the coronary sinus.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty consecutive patients undergoing electrophysiologic study were randomized to TTE (30 patients, "TTE group") or x-ray fluoroscopy (30 patients, "x-ray group") as an image guide to assist in the placement of a coronary sinus catheter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The success rate of placing the coronary sinus catheter was 96.7% in TTE group and 100% in x-ray group (P > 0.05). The procedure duration was 5.8 +/- 5.7 minutes in TTE group and 5.9 +/- 3.3 minutes in x-ray group (P > 0.05), The x-ray exposure time was 0.15 +/- 0 minute in TTE group and 4.2 +/- 2.8 minutes in x-ray group (P < 0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using TTE as an image guide, coronary sinus cannulation is feasible and as rapid as standard x-ray fluoroscopy, without the radiation risk.
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Division, Qi Lu Hospital of Shan Dong University, China. zwky1668@vip.sina.com
authors.forename: Jing-Quan
authors.initials: JQ
authors.lastname: Zhong
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dorian
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional