Transesophageal Echocardiography to Improve Positioning of Radiofrequency Ablation Catheters in Left‐Sided Wolff‐Parkinson‐White Syndrome

Abstract

Two patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome who underwent successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of their left-sided bypass tracts are described. Transesophageal echocardiography, a relatively new echocardiographic technique, was utilized in both patients and provided excellent visualization of intracardiac anatomy as well as the catheter tip. Transesophageal echocardiography was also synergistic with fluoroscopy and the intracardiac electrogram in providing more precise catheter placement. In addition, the use of transesophageal echocardiography may reduce fluoroscopic exposure and shorten the procedure time.

Transesophageal Echocardiography

“…The New England Journal of Medicine lation, 148 and angioplasty for aortic coarctation 123 but is not necessary for these procedures.…”

Visualization and Temporal/Spatial Characterization of Cardiac Radiofrequency Ablation Lesions Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

“…Several studies have demonstrated the utility of intracardiac ultrasound for guiding cardiac ablation therapy [11][12][13] and visualizing thermal lesions in vitro. 10,14 A recent study by Epstein and colleagues 15 compared intracardiac ultrasound to fluoroscopy guidance for creating linear right atrial lesions in a canine model and showed that intracardiac ultrasound significantly improved targeting, energy delivery, and lesion formation.…”

Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects using the Rashkind device: Initial experience

“…Several investigators have reported the use of transesophageal echocardiography during interventional catheterization procedures [16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. In our experience, transesophageal echocardiography was an integral part of the procedure.…”