Transseptal catheterization is a vital component of balloon mitral valvoplasty (BMV). Transseptal puncture must be not only executed safely to avoid cardiac perforation, but also made at an appropriate septal site to facilitate Inoue-balloon crossing of the stenosed mitral valve.

       To avert cardiac perforation during transseptal catheterization, some operators have resorted to routine intra-procedural transesophageal echocardiography to facilitate optimal transseptal needle placement. However, even with the echocardiographic guidance, cardiac perforation may still occur. Therefore, acquisition of basic transseptal skill is essential.

       To perform transseptal procedure, biplane fluoroscopic equipment is preferable, but single-plane fluoroscopy may be sufficient.

       To learn more about transseptal access, please select one of the topics above.

 		 
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