Using transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography to guide the placement of coronary sinus catheters: a randomized study.
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.
Zhong
Jing-Quan
JQ
Cardiology Division, Qi Lu Hospital of Shan Dong University, China. zwky1668@vip.sina.com
Dorian
Paul
P
Zhang
Wei
W
Li
Li
L
Zhang
Yun
Y
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