Intentional right atrial exit for microcatheter infusion of pericardial carbon dioxide or iodinated contrast to facilitate sub-xiphoid access

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2015

Publication Title

Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We test the safety of transatrial pericardial access using small catheters, infusion of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) or iodinated contrast to facilitate sub-xiphoid access, and catheter withdrawal under full anticoagulation.

BACKGROUND: Sub-xiphoid pericardial access is required for electrophysiological and structural heart interventions. If present, an effusion protects the heart from needle injury by separating the myocardium from the pericardium. However, if the pericardium is 'dry' then there is a significant risk of right ventricle or coronary artery laceration caused by the heart beating against the needle tip. Intentional right atrial exit is an alternative pericardial access route, through which contrast media could be infused to separate pericardial layers.

METHODS: Transatrial pericardial access was obtained in a total of 30 Yorkshire swine using 4Fr or 2.8Fr catheters. In 16 animals, transatrial catheters were withdrawn under anticoagulation and MRI was performed to monitor for pericardial hemorrhage. In 14 animals, iodinated contrast or CO2 was infused before sub-xiphoid access was obtained.

RESULTS: Small effusions (mean 18.5 ml) were observed after 4Fr (1.3 mm outer-diameter) but not after 2.8Fr (0.9 mm outer-diameter) transatrial catheter withdrawal despite full anticoagulation (mean activated clotting time 383 sec), with no hemodynamic compromise. Pericardial CO2 resorbed spontaneously within 15 min.

CONCLUSIONS: Intentional transatrial exit into the pericardium using small catheters is safe and permits infusion of CO2 or iodinated contrast to separate pericardial layers and facilitate sub-xiphoid access. This reduces the risk of right ventricular or coronary artery laceration. 2.8Fr transatrial catheter withdrawal does not cause any pericardial hemorrhage, even under full anticoagulation.

Medical Subject Headings

Anatomic Landmarks; Animals; Anticoagulants; Carbon Dioxide; Cardiac Catheterization; Cardiac Catheters; Contrast Media; Disease Models, Animal; Equipment Design; Heart Atria; Hemorrhage; Infusions, Parenteral; Iopamidol; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Miniaturization; Pericardial Effusion; Pneumoradiography; Punctures; Risk Factors; Swine; Xiphoid Bone

PubMed ID

25315516

Volume

86

Issue

2

First Page

111

Last Page

118

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