A highly effective technique for transseptal endocardial left ventricular lead placement for delivery of cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: Implantation of a left ventricular (LV) lead fails in 5% to 10% of patients in whom cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is attempted. Alternatives for delivery of CRT are surgical epicardial and endocardial transvenous leads. Endocardial transseptal LV lead delivery is challenging because of the absence of dedicated equipment designed for this procedure.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe a new technique for delivery of a transseptal LV lead.

METHODS: This dual approach from the right femoral vein and left subclavian vein involves use of an Endrys transseptal needle and Mullins sheath to deliver a gooseneck snare from the left subclavian vein into the right atrium that can then be used to deliver a deflectable sheath into the left atrium. An active fixation lead is advanced into the LV through the sheath and screwed into the lateral wall.

RESULTS: The procedure was performed successfully in 12 patients in whom transvenous LV lead implantation had previously failed. The Endrys transseptal needle, ideally suited for this technique, facilitated passage of the gooseneck snare into the left atrium with no difficulty. Median procedure time was 148 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 113-176 minutes), and median fluoroscopy time was 16 minutes (IQR 10-19 minutes). There was no need for repeat procedures after median follow-up of 97 days (IQR 36-313 days).

CONCLUSION: This approach using an Endrys needle and a gooseneck snare provides a reliable and effective alternative technique for delivery of an endocardial LV lead that is delivered easily through a deflectable sheath inserted transseptally into the LV.