title: Troubleshooting difficult transseptal catheterization.
abstract: Transseptal catheterization is an essential aspect of many electrophysiology studies. Difficulties may present at various stages of the procedure, especially with unique challenges posed by repeated catheterizations. More recently, technologies such as intracardiac echocardiography and radiofrequency have been employed to assist with transseptal catheterization. Integration of these tools into an organized approach for troubleshooting the difficult transseptal puncture is likely to improve procedural success and reduce the risk of serious complications such as cardiac tamponade.
authors.affiliation: Arrhythmia Service, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Raymond W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Sy
authors.forename: George J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leong-Sit
authors.forename: Lorne J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Gula
authors.forename: Raymond
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yee
authors.forename: Andrew D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Krahn
authors.forename: Allan C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Skanes
mesh_terms: D018780:Body Surface Potential Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D006346:Heart Septum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011677:Punctures / Q000379:methods*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*