Transseptal puncture using surgical electrocautery in children and adults with and without complex congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND: Atrial transseptal puncture (TSP) for cardiac catheterization procedures remain challenging in children and adults with complex congenital heart disease (CHD). OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate our experience using radiofrequency (RF) current via surgical electrocautery needle for TSP to facilitate diagnostic and interventional procedures. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all patients (pts) who underwent TSP using RF energy (10-25 W) via surgical electrocautery from three centers from January 2011 to January 2017 were evaluated. Echocardiograms were reviewed to define the atrial septum as normal and complex (thin aneurysmal, thick/fibrotic, synthetic patch material, and extra cardiac conduit). RESULTS: A total of 54 pts underwent 55 successful TSP. Median age was 12.5 years (1 day-54 years) and weight was 52.7 kg (2-162). Indications for TSP included; EP study and ablation procedures in structurally normal hearts (n = 24) and in complex atrial septum/CHD and structural heart disease pts (n = 30): Electrophysiology study and ablation in 4, diagnostic catheterization in 9, and interventional procedures in 17 pts were performed. Atrial TSP was successful in 54/55 (98%). Atrial perforation with tiny-small pericardial effusion not requiring intervention was noted in 2 pts. TSP was unsuccessful in one critically ill neonate with unobstructed TAPVR and restricted atrial septum who experienced cardiac arrest requiring CPR, ECMO, and emergent surgery. CONCLUSIONS: RF current delivery using surgical electrocautery for TSP is a feasible and an effective option in patients with complex CHD for diagnostic, interventional, and electrophysiology procedures.