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Transseptal puncture is an increasingly common procedure undertaken to gain access to the left side of the heart during structural heart disease interventions. Precision guidance during this procedure is paramount to ensure success and patient safety. As such, multimodality imaging, such as echocardiography, fluoroscopy, and fusion imaging, is routinely used to guide safe transseptal puncture. Despite the use of multimodal imaging, there is currently no uniform nomenclature of cardiac anatomy between the various imaging modes and proceduralists, and echocardiographers tend to use imaging modality-specific terminology when communicating among the various imaging modes. This variability in nomenclature among imaging modes stems from differing anatomic descriptions of cardiac anatomy. Given the required level of precision in performing transseptal puncture, a clearer understanding of the basis of cardiac anatomic nomenclature is required by both echocardiographers as well as proceduralists; enhanced understanding can help facilitate communication across specialties and possibly improve communication and safety. In this review, the authors highlight the variation in cardiac anatomy nomenclature among various imaging modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping (3D EAM) has expanded radiofrequency catheter ablation applications in humans to almost all complex arrhythmias and has drastically reduced fluoroscopy use, yet its potential in dogs is poorly investigated. The objectives of the current study were to assess the feasibility and safety of 3D EAM of all four heart chambers, 3D EAM-guided biopsies and transseptal puncture in dogs. Eight healthy purpose-bred Beagle dogs. Electroanatomical mapping was performed under general anaesthesia during sinus rhythm using a 22-electrode mapping catheter. Left heart catheterisation was achieved by either retrograde transaortic access (n = 4) or transseptal puncture (n = 4). Successful 3D EAM of the right atrium and ventricle was achieved in all dogs at a median time of 33 (13–40) min and 17 (3–52) min, respectively. Left atrial and ventricular 3D EAM was successful in six and seven dogs, at a median time of 17 (4–27) min and 8 min (4–19 min), respectively. Complications requiring intervention occurred in one dog only and were a transient third degree atrioventricular block and pericardial effusion following transseptal puncture, which was treated by pericardiocentesis. All dogs recovered uneventfully. Fluoroscopy time was limited to a median of 7 min (0–45 min) and almost exclusively associated with transseptal puncture. Three-dimensional EAM of all cardiac chambers, including mapping-guided biopsy and transseptal puncture is feasible in small dogs. Complications are similar to those reported in human patients. This suggests a potential added value of 3D EAM to conventional electrophysiology in dogs with arrhythmias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With advancements in technology and progress in interventional procedures, left-sided structural heart disease (SHD) interventions have become part of everyday clinical practice. One of the most important steps for a successful left-sided structural heart intervention is the transseptal puncture (TSP). Appropriate transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance of TSP requires extensive supervised hands-on experience prior to attaining proficiency. Whereas some TEE skills are acquired during cardiac anesthesia fellowships, continuous procedural guidance during SHD interventions requires substantial hands-on experience. Several studies have emphasized the value of advanced training in imaging for SHD interventions; however, the pathways and advanced training to ensure proficiency in interventional echocardiography have not yet been clearly established. In an effort to achieve a uniform and consistent approach to TSP imaging that is homogeneous and complementary to the component steps of the TSP procedure from an interventional point-of-view, the authors have developed a protocol for providing image guidance for TSP - the PITLOC protocol (Practice, Identification of septal puncture needle, Tracking of needle tip, Localization of needle tip in fossa ovalis, Optimizing septal indentation, and, finally, Crossing the interatrial septum under direct vision). This protocol aims to standarize image guidance for TSP while complementing the the steps of the procedure as performed and described by interventionalists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Closure of a wide-spaced multi-hole secundum atrial septal defect (MHASD) using a single occluder is difficult to accomplish. Multiple occluder implantation has risks such as incomplete endothelialisation, device embolisation, and residual shunt. Blade or balloon septotomy enables single device occlusion; however, the aforementioned may cause a short circumferential rim with subsequent device instability. This paper describes an inter-defect septal puncture technique for single device closure of different layouts of wide-spaced MHASDs via per-atrial or percutaneous approach under exclusive transoesophageal echocardiographic guidance. This technique combined with anti-tenting puncture equally befits a small caval atrial septal defect and MHASD with a floppy aneurysmal septum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly observed cardiac rhythm disorder. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an effective treatment option to maintain sinus rhythm. This study evaluates the safety, efficacy, clinical outcomes and radiation exposures using a standardized single transseptal puncture (STP)-strategy. We analyzed data from patients who underwent our STP-ablation technique with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance at a university hospital and a regional tertiary health center in Switzerland between January 1, 2017, and May 30, 2022. Collected data included demographics, symptoms, echocardiography results, procedural details, complications and outcomes. Mean follow-up time was 21.4 ± 16 months. The study population included 304 patients with a median age of 67 years, who had at least one ablation using our STP-approach. Among these, 248 (82 %) patients underwent de novo PVI with this technique. Ablation was successful in all patients with isolation of all pulmonary veins, with an average procedure duration of 120 min and an average fluoroscopy time of 3 min, resulting in a mean X-ray dose of 252 cGy × cm2. TEE guidance was performed in 235 (95 %) patients. During the first intervention, 17 complications occurred in 13 patients (5 %). After the first PVI, 135 (54 %) patients experienced no recurrence during the follow-up period. The one-year recurrence rate for atrial fibrillation requiring therapy was 30 %. Our STP- approach demonstrated comparable success rates to traditional methods, with similar procedural durations, low radiation exposure and a low complication rate. Therefore, this method may offer procedural, economic and safety benefits without compromising efficacy or safety. • This comprehensive clinical study shows that a standardized streamlined single transseptal puncture-apporach is a viable method for pulmonary vein isolation with low complication rates and low radiation exposure • 54 % of patients experienced no recurrence of atrial fibrillation during follow up, with a 30 % one year recurrence rate. • The complication rate was low at 5 % after de novo PVI, with no adverse events leading to permanent injury, death, or instances of cardiac tamponade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transseptal puncture (TSP) was initially described to gain access to the left heart for hemodynamic assessment. Continuous evolution from its origins allows interventionists to perform a myriad of procedures that otherwise would be impossible to accomplish. In the recent years, the number of procedures in cardiology that require TSP has grown exponentially. Namely, transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement, pulmonary vein isolation and left atrium appendage occlusion. In skilled hands, it is a safe and straightforward procedure; however, a lack of knowledge of the materials, anatomy of the interatrial septum and the technique can be met with life-threatening complications. Therefore, it is imperative that interventional cardiologists master this technique to successfully overcome these obstacles and ensure clinical outcomes in patients requiring TSP. The purpose of the following review is to critically analyze the available evidence regarding TSP, provide a step-by-step approach to the technique, the available materials and tips and tricks to overcome difficulties and manage complications. • Transseptal puncture has become a routinely used technique in line with the increase of mitral and left atrial procedures. • Despite being safe in experienced hands, TSP-related complications are dreadful, and early diagnosis is paramount. • Thorough knowledge of every procedural step and imaging evaluation is mandatory to decrease inadvertent LA or aortic puncture. • Radiofrequency needles and pigtail guidewires enabling radiofrequency provide novel TSP alternatives with promising results. • Whether to close IASD after TSP remains controversial, and future studies are needed to shed more light on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of transseptal puncture continues to rise given the increase in left atrial cardiac interventions. The authors review an anatomic approach to transseptal puncture incorporating multimodality imaging both pre- and intraprocedurally with stepwise escalation algorithms to ensure safe and efficacious large-bore transseptal puncture. [Display omitted] • Site-specific TSP continues to rise with ever-increasing LA interventions for SHD. • The anatomic approach to TSP incorporates pre- and intra-procedural multi-modality imaging. • Stepwise escalation of alternative techniques in challenging cases is crucial for safe TSP. • Rising LA intervention rates will require dedicated efforts to preserve the IAS and develop novel LA access strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluate the value of 3D computed tomography (CT) and CT-integrating fluoroscopy for procedural guidance during WATCHMAN implantation. This observational study compared the clinical and procedural parameters for LAAO with and without fusion imaging. Forty-one pairs of patients—matched by procedure month and with or without the use of the image fusion system—were enrolled. Using the image fusion Advanced Workstation 4.6 software (GE Healthcare), we identified the 3D cardiac anatomy and safe zones for septal punch. The LAA orifice anatomy outlines were then projected onto the real-time fluoroscopy image during the procedure to guide all the steps of LAAO. The use of image fusion significantly reduced the procedural time, compared to the time required for the control group (44.73 ± 20.03 min vs. 63.73 ± 26.10 min, respectively; P < 0.001). When compared to the standard procedure, the use of image fusion significantly reduced both the total radiation dose (448.80 ± 556.35 mGy vs. 798.42 ± 616.34 mGy; P = 0.004) and dose area product (DAP) (38.03 ± 47.15 Gy∙cm2 vs. 67.66 ± 52.23 Gy∙cm2, P = 0.004). Corresponding to the radiation dose, the contrast volume was also reduced (67.32 ± 18.65 vs. 90.98 ± 25.03 ml; P = 0.0004). During short-term follow-up at 6 months, there was only one femoral hematoma and incomplete LAA sealing (>3 mm) in either group. Automated real-time integration of cardiac CT and fluoroscopy is feasible, safe, and applicable in LAAO. It may significantly reduce the radiation exposure, procedure duration, and volume of contrast media. Following these results, the potential of merging reconstructed 3D CT scans with real-time coronary angiography should be fully exploited in LAAO. • Real-time integration of cardiac CT and fluoroscopy is feasible, safe, and applicable in left atrial appendage occlusion. • Preprocedural MDCT is helpful to determine the optimal transseptal puncture zone. • The fusion technique can play an important alternative role in improving the left atrial appendage occlusion procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Although they are at lower risk, patients with previous extracardiac conduit (EC) Fontan still may require catheter ablation for supraventricular arrhythmia.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal approach to pulmonary venous atrium (PVA) access after EC Fontan operation.Methods: All electrophysiological procedures requiring PVA over a 10-year period at the UCLA Medical Center were reviewed. PVA was grouped by transcaval cardiac puncture (TCP) or direct conduit puncture. Procedural characteristics and outcomes were compared.Results: Between June 2009 and November 2019, 23 electrophysiological procedures requiring PVA access were performed in 17 EC Fontan patients (53% male; median age 25 years; interquartile range 11-34). Cavoatrial overlap was identified in 14 patients by preprocedural imaging (10 cardiac computed tomography, 4 cardiac magnetic resonance). PVA access was obtained via TCP in 11, direct conduit puncture in 6, pre-existing fenestration in 5, and pulmonary artery puncture in 1. Time to PVA was significantly shorter for TCP vs direct conduit puncture (0.2 vs 1.1 hours, respectively; P = .03). The only predictor of successful TCP was the length of cavoatrial overlap by preprocedural imaging (14 vs 3 mm; P = .02). No procedural complications occurred. No change in oxygen saturation was noted, and no evidence of residual shunting was detected by follow-up echocardiography.Conclusion: TCP is feasible in most patients after EC Fontan surgery and can be predicted by preprocedural advanced imaging. TCP is associated with shorter time to PVA and was uncomplicated in this single-center study. Preoperative assessment of cavoatrial overlap should be considered before catheter ablation for EC Fontan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The left-sided atrial septal pouch (SP), a recently re-discovered anatomical structure within the human interatrial septum, has emerged as a possible source of thrombi formation and a trigger for atrial fibrillation, thereby potentially increasing the risk for ischemic stroke. In many studies, the swine interatrial septum has been used as model of the human heart. Also, possible new strategies and devices for management of the SPs may first be tested in this pig model. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate swine interatrial septum morphology and to compare it with the human analog, especially in the light of SP occurrence. Methods A total of 75 swine ( Sus scrofa f. domestica ) hearts were examined. The interatrial septum morphology was assessed, and SPs were measured. Results The most common variant of the interatrial septum was smooth septum (26.6%) followed by the patent foramen ovale channel and right SP (both 22.7%). No left or double SPs were observed. In 28.0% of all cases the fold of tissue (left septal ridge) was observed on the left side of the interatrial septum in the location where the left-sided SP should be expected. The mean length of the patent foramen ovale channel was 7.1 ± 1.5 mm. The mean right SP depth was 6.3 ± 2.2 mm, and its ostium width and height were 5.8 ± 1.2 and 5.3 ± 1.6 mm, respectively. Conclusions There are significant differences between human and porcine interatrial septum morphology that should be taken into account during experimental studies. The absence of the left SP in swine results in the inability to use porcine heart as an experimental model for left-sided SP management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transseptal puncture for left heart interventions became a routine procedure guided by fluoroscopy and echocardiography. The use of intracardiac potentials derived from the sheath-transseptal-needle/guidewire-combination may provide helpful information to increase safety of this procedure.Methods and Results: We recorded the intracardiac potentials from the sheath-transseptal-needle/guidewire-combination during the transseptal puncture procedure in 31 consecutive patients (mean age 67.2±8.2years; 21 in sinus rhythm, 10 in atrial fibrillation) designated for ablation of atrial fibrillation by the Cryo-balloon ® technique (Medtronic, Minnesota, USA). The EP-Navigator ® 3-D-image integration tool (Philips Healthcare, Hamburg, Germany) was used for visualization of the device position in relation to the cardiac structures. Typical and reproducible potentials could be derived in all patients for the different device localizations at transseptal puncture procedure. Especially the transition from the muscular interatrial septum into the fossa ovalis could be easily depicted by the changes of both morphology and magnitude of the atrial signal (6.1±2.3mV in sinus rhythm [SR]/3.5±0.9mV in atrial fibrillation [AF] at the muscular interatrial septum and 0.5±0.2mV in SR/0.5±0.1mV in AF in the fossa ovalis).Conclusions: The crucial steps of a transseptal procedure can be verified by typical changes (morphology and amplitude) of the intracardiac signals derived from the sheath-transseptal-needle/guidewire-combination in patients with sinus rhythm as well as in atrial fibrillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the transseptal puncture approach has enabled passage of increasingly large and complex devices into the left atrium. Traditional tools remain effective in creating and dilating the initial puncture, with an acceptable safety profile. Even for skilled operators, the procedure is technically demanding and requires sound understanding of atrial anatomy. Intracardiac echocardiography is useful in cases of previous septal repair, poorly defined fossa ovalis anatomy or when considering patent foramen ovale portal crossing. Iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) is the most commonly encountered long-term complication and there is increasing evidence that larger devices are leading to symptomatic defects. The size of the sheath crossing the septum is the strongest predictor of iASD formation but other factors such as longer procedure times, significant catheter manipulation and high pulmonary pressures also contribute. Transcatheter mitral valve repair involves the use of large 22 Fr catheters which carry alarmingly high rates of defect persistence with precipitation of symptoms and possible influence on mortality. Long-term follow up data, particularly beyond the 12-month period are lacking and resultantly, evidence to guide management is sparse. Refinements of conventional instruments, as well as innovations to puncture the septum without mechanical pressure, herald a progressively safer future for the transseptal technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new transseptal transcatheter interventions for patients with structural heart disease is fueling increasing interest in transseptal puncture techniques. The authors review contemporary transseptal puncture indications and techniques and provide a step-by-step approach to challenging transseptal access and procedural complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical anatomy of the interatrial septum is treacherous, difficult and its unfamiliarity can cause many serious complications. This work aims to create an anatomical map of the true interatrial septum. An appreciation of the anatomical situation is essential for safe and efficacious transseptal access from the right atrium to the left heart chambers. Examination of 135 autopsied human hearts (Caucasian) of both sexes (28% females) aged from 19 to 94 years old (47.0 ± 18.2) with BMI = 27.1 ± 6.0 kg/m 2 was conducted. Focus was specifically targeted on the assessment of the fossa ovalis, patent foramen ovale (PFO), and right-sided septal pouch (RSP) morphology. Mean values of cranio-caudal and antero-posterior fossa ovalis diameters were 12.1 ± 3.6 and 14.1 ± 3.6 mm, respectively. The fossa ovalis was situated an average of 10.1 ± 4.4 mm above the inferior vena cava ostium, 20.7 ± 5.2 mm from the right atrioventricular ring, and 12.6 ± 5.2 mm under the right atrium roof. Four types of fossa ovalis anatomy have been observed (smooth-56.3%, PFO-24.4%, RSP-11.9%, net-like formation-7.4%). The PFO mean channel length was 10.5 ± 5.2 mm. The tunnel-like PFO (channel length ≥12 mm) was observed in 8.9% of specimens. The RSP was observed in 11.9% of specimens (with mean depth = 6.3 ± 3.8 mm) and was directed apex upward in all observed specimens (may imitate the PFO channel). The fossa ovalis/interatrial septum surface area ratio was 18.3 ± 9.0%. In conclusion: (1) An anatomical map of the interatrial septum from the right atrial side was presented. (2) The RSP may imitate the PFO channel. (3) The “true” interatrial septum represents only about 20% of the whole interatrial septum area. (4) There is wide variation in the location and geometry of the fossa ovalis. (5) We could distinguish four different types of the fossa ovalis area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Era of expanding use of transseptal structural heart disease interventions and catheter ablation techniques for atrial fibrillation, there is increasing interest in the iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) often associated with these procedures. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the incidence and clinical impact of iASD, to identify possible predictors of persistent iASD, and to propose a standardized method for the detection, follow up and management of iASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a novel treatment strategy using two clip delivery systems (CDS) simultaneously, after double transseptal puncture, for treatment of severe functional mitral regurgitation. Both CDS were used to titrate for an optimal result in a patient with a severe coaptation gap of both mitral leaflets. The patient was successfully treated with two MitraClips. Thus, even a contraindication for MitraClip can be overcome with a more complex double guide intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) (Arctic Front, Medtronic, USA) has proven very effective in achieving pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Different transseptal (TS) puncture sites might influence CBA procedure. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of different TS puncture sites (anterior, medial and posterior) on the acute and midterm outcomes of CBA in a series of patients undergoing PVI for drug resistant AF. Methods and results: A total 103 patients (78 males, mean age: 57±13years) formed the study group. Transseptal punctures were performed in the anterior, medial and posterior portion of the FO in 41 (39.8%), 35 (34%) and 27 (26.2%) patients respectively. We found no statistical significant difference between the various sites of TS puncture in 1) the grade of PV occlusion (p=ns), the rate of PV isolation (p=ns), freedom from AF at a mean 12month follow-up (p=ns) and complication rates (p=ns). Mean grade of occlusion was slightly lower in the RIPV when puncturing in the posterior FO but did not reach statistical significance. Mean procedural and fluoroscopy times were significantly lower when using the inner lumen mapping catheter (ILMC) (Achieve, Medtronic, USA) than the circular mapping catheter (CMC) (Lasso, Biosense Webster, California, USA) (107.24mn vs 97.74 (p≤0.001) and 25.7mn vs 19.2mn (p≤0.001)). Conclusion: Different sites of TS puncture on the horizontal axis of the FO (anterior, medial and posterior) did not influence grades of PV occlusion, rates of isolation, mid-term outcome and rates of complications during CB ablation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Percutaneous transseptal left atrial (LA) access is increasingly becoming a routine procedure in the electrophysiology and cardiac catheterisation laboratories. Our aim was to review an unselected large series of this procedure performed over a period of five years. We clinically characterised difficult cases and presented a method of safe and expeditious LA access. Overall, 543 transseptal punctures were performed. Of those, 10 were classified as difficult, with failure to access the LA in three or more attempts. In all 10 cases, surgical electrocautery was successfully used to facilitate needle puncture of the septum. All patients subsequently underwent an uncomplicated procedure. In conclusion, we describe a method to trouble-shoot the difficult transseptal access procedure, outlining the clinical characteristics, echocardiographic features and special precautions that need to be considered when utilising this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Percutaneous positioning of closure devices is a well-established treatment of atrial septal defects (ASDs). However, patients who have undergone the procedure are at increased risk for developing atrial fibrillation (AF), and treatment by catheter ablation is underutilized due to the perceived difficulty of obtaining transseptal access in the presence of the closure device. Objective: The purpose of this study was to report the acute and long-term results of radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF in patients with ASD closure devices. Methods: Thirty-nine patients (age 54 ± 6 years, 72% males) with drug-refractory AF (33% paroxysmal, 51% persistent, 16% long-standing persistent) and ASD closure devices (82% Amplatzer, 18% CardioSEAL) underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation. A double transseptal access guided by intracardiac echocardiography was obtained in all patients. Results: In 35 of 39 patients (90%), the transseptal access was obtained in a portion of the native septum, whereas in 4 of 39 patients (10%), a direct access through the device was required. The latter group had a significantly longer time for achieving the double transseptal access (73.6 ± 1.1 minutes vs 4.3 ± 0.4 minutes, P <.001), longer fluoroscopy time (122 ± 5 minutes vs 80 ± 8 minutes, P <.001), and total procedural time (4.1 ± 0.2 hours vs 3.1 ± 0.3 hours, P <.001). At follow-up of 14 ± 4, months the overall success rate was 77% (85% in paroxysmal AF, 73% in nonparoxysmal AF). Transthoracic contrast-enhanced echocardiography with the Valsalva maneuver, performed between 3 and 6 months after the procedure, failed to detect shunt in all patients. Conclusion: Radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF is feasible, safe, and effective in patients with ASD closure devices. Transseptal access can be obtained in portions of the native septum in the majority of cases. Direct transseptal puncture of the device is feasible and safe but requires longer time for each transseptal access. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Cardiac tamponade is the main complication of transseptal catheterization that is necessary for a variety of cardiac interventions and electrophysiology procedures. Methods: A retrospective assessment of all consecutive procedures that required transseptal puncture by the same experienced operator (with already >100 previous trans-septal procedures) during the period 2000–2012 was performed. We recorded any puncture-related complications of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade (acute or delayed). Results: A total of 393 procedures were retrieved: Group 1 [ablation of left-sided accessory pathways (n =77), atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia-left septal access (AVNRT) (n =12), and Inoue balloon mitral valvuloplasty (n =27)], and Group 2 [atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures: ostial pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) (including RF (n =76) and cryo-balloon (n =30)), circumferential PVI (n =51), and combined procedures (n =120)]. In total, 5 cases of tamponade were recorded, four of them were acute and one delayed (occurring 1h after the procedure). All tamponade cases occurred only during or after AF ablation procedures (cryo-balloon ablation=1, circumferential PVI=2, and combined procedures=2). In one case emergency atrial repair following median sternotomy was necessary, and in another a surgical drainage through a limited thoracotomy was performed. The other three cases were treated with pericardiocentesis and drainage for 12h. No patient was on uninterrupted oral anticoagulation during the procedure. Conclusions: AF ablation is associated with a higher incidence of tamponade compared to other procedures that require transseptal access. Such procedures should only be performed in hospitals with access to emergency surgical support. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Applications of additive manufacturing (commonly referred to as 3D printing) in direct fabrication of models for pre-surgical planning, functional testing, and medical training are on the rise. However, one current limitation to the accuracy of models for cardiovascular procedural training is a lack of printable materials that accurately mimic human tissue. Most of the available elastomeric materials lack mechanical properties representative of human tissues. To address the gap, the authors explore the multi-material capability of material jetting additive manufacturing to combine non-curing and photo-curing inks to achieve material properties that more closely replicate human tissues. The authors explore the impact of relative material concentration on tissue-relevant properties from puncture and tensile testing under submerged conditions. Further, the authors demonstrate the ability to mimic the mechanical properties of the fossa ovalis, which proves beneficial for accurately simulating transseptal punctures. A fossa ovalis mimic was printed and assembled within a full patient-specific heart model for validation, where it exhibited accuracy in both mechanical properties and geometry. The explored material combination provides the opportunity to fabricate future medical models that are more realistic and better suited for pre-surgical planning and medical student training. This will ultimately guide safer, more efficient practices. Image 1 • Medical models with tailored material properties enable realistic surgical simulations. • Many anatomic models lack tissue-mimicking traits due to limited material selection. • Material jetting non-curing and photo-curing inks creates tissue-mimicking materials. • A 3D printed fossa ovalis mimic enables accurate simulation of transseptal punctures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful transseptal puncture adjacent to a single Amplatzer atrial septal closure device is well described. Rarely multiple Amplatzer devices may be required to close defects in the interatrial septum. We report on successful double transseptal puncture adjacent to multiple Amplatzer atrial septal occluder devices for the purposes of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first described case of an accessory pathway ablation, requiring a transseptal puncture, performed on ECMO for tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in the context of cardiogenic shock. The performance of a transseptal puncture in such a scenario is a feasible option and should be considered if the clinical situation dictates, despite the inherent risks. After ablation of the left lateral pathway the patient was successfully weaned off ECMO and made a complete recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report two cases of transient coronary artery ischemia manifested as chest discomfort with ST-segment elevation in inferior leads during the transseptal procedure for radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. This unexpected complication was resolved by intravenous administration of nitrates. All patients exhibited normal coronary arteries in angiography. A neurally mediated pathway activated by the mechanical effects of the transseptal puncture on the interatrial vagal network leading to coronary artery spasm may be considered as a possible explanation of this phenomenon. Coronary artery embolism following the transseptal procedure represents a different underlying mechanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]