Key result
Novel integrated dilator-needle system achieves safe, successful trans-septal access in initial animal series.
Why the study?
The use of a novel integrated dilator-needle system for trans-septal puncture in veterinary patients undergoing left atrial decompression had not been previously described.
Does an integrated dilator-needle system allow safe and feasible trans-septal access in dogs undergoing left atrial decompression?
Case Report (n=3)
Does an integrated dilator-needle system allow safe and feasible trans-septal access in dogs undergoing left atrial decompression?
An integrated dilator-needle system demonstrates technical feasibility and safety for zero-exchange trans-septal access in canine patients undergoing left atrial decompression.
Supports feasibility of zero-exchange trans-septal access in canine LA decompression; leaves open safety and efficacy in larger prospective studies.
Left atrial decompression (LADEC) is an emerging palliative intervention for dogs with advanced left-sided congestive heart failure. Trans-septal puncture is a critical step of this procedure and is traditionally performed using Brockenbrough-style needles with multiple device exchanges. A novel integrated dilator-needle system (FlexCath Cross™, Medtronic) has been developed in human cardiology to allow a zero-exchange approach to trans-septal puncture; however, its use in veterinary patients has not previously been described. This report describes the technical feasibility of using this integrated system for trans-septal access in three dogs undergoing LADEC for congestive heart failure secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease. In three cases, trans-septal access was successfully achieved using the integrated dilator-needle system, allowing completion of the planned LADEC procedure. No major device-related complications were observed. These cases demonstrate the feasibility of this alternative trans-septal access technique in selected canine patients.
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Sarcinella et al. (2026) conducted a case report in congestive heart failure secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (n=3). integrated dilator-needle system (FlexCath Cross) was evaluated on technical feasibility of trans-septal access. Trans-septal access was successfully achieved using a novel integrated dilator-needle system without major device-related complications in three dogs undergoing left atrial decompression.
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