Comparison of Radiofrequency Wire and Needle for Transseptal Puncture

This technical report presents a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of two transseptal puncture (TSP) workflows: a standard needle-based workflow and a wire-based workflow using the VersaCross™ RF solution. The study involved 75 patients undergoing left atrial catheter ablation, with 36 patients in the needle-based group and 39 in the wire-based group. The primary outcome measured was the time to first TSP, while secondary outcomes included times to second and combined TSP, fluoroscopy time, number of equipment exchanges, and complications. Results indicated that the wire-based workflow resulted in a 25% shorter time to first TSP and a 29% shorter time to second TSP compared to the needle-based workflow. Additionally, there were no complications in the wire-based group, while one complication occurred in the needle-based group. The findings suggest that the wire-based workflow may enhance procedural efficiency and reduce the need for equipment exchanges during TSP.