title: The use of a novel nitinol guidewire to facilitate transseptal puncture and left atrial catheterization for catheter ablation procedures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An increasing number of transseptal punctures (TSPs) are performed worldwide for atrial ablations. Transseptal punctures can be complex and can be associated with potentially life threatening complications. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel transseptal guidewire (TSGW) designed to facilitate TSPs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Transseptal punctures were performed using a SafeSept TSGW passed through a standard TSP apparatus. Transseptal punctures were performed by standard technique with additional use of a TSGW allowing probing of the interatrial septum without needle exposure and penetration of the fossa into the left atrium (LA). Transseptal puncture using the TSGW was performed in 210 patients. Left atrial access was achieved successfully in 205 of 210 patients (97.6%) and in 96.3% of patients undergoing repeat TSP. Left atrial access was achieved with the first pass in 81.2% (mean 1.4 ± 0.9 passes, range 1-6) using the TSGW. No serious complications were attributable to the use of the TSGW, even in cases of failed TSP.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The TSGW is associated with a high success rate for TSP and may be a useful alternative to transoesophageal or intracardiac echocardiogram-guided TSP.
authors.affiliation: The Heart Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 16-18 Westmoreland Street, London W1G 8PH, UK.
authors.forename: Vineet
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Wadehra
authors.forename: Alfred E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Buxton
authors.forename: Antonios P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Antoniadis
authors.forename: James W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: McCready
authors.forename: Calum J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Redpath
authors.forename: Oliver R
authors.initials: OR
authors.lastname: Segal
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rowland
authors.forename: Martin D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: Pier D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Lambiase
authors.forename: Anthony W C
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Chow
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000497:Alloys; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D054087:Atrial Septum; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006325:Heart Atria; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011677:Punctures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; C013616:nitinol