title: The use of a standard radiofrequency energy delivery system to facilitate transseptal puncture.
abstract: Transseptal puncture is a standard means of catheter access to the left atrium via the venous system, but carries a risk of cardiac perforation. Stretching and increased force to traverse the septum are required with elastic, aneurysmal, or thickened interatrial tissue. We describe a technique that facilitates transseptal puncture by applying brief pulses of radiofrequency energy from a standard electrosurgical cautery generator through the needle tip.
authors.affiliation: cmmcwilliams@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: McWilliams
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tchou
mesh_terms: D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006346:Heart Septum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009339:Needles