A catheter/needle fitting exercise is recommended, especially for inexperienced operators, before catheter/needle insertion into the patient.
		First, fully insert the transseptal needle until its tip extends beyond the catheter (Figure 1A).        Next, withdraw the needle until its tip is aligned with the tip of the catheter (Figure 1B).        Then, further withdraw the needle until its tip is concealed slightly (2 to 3 mm) within the catheter tip (Figure 1C).        The operator should fix his/her right index finger between the catheter hub and the direction indicator of the needle to prevent the needle from moving forward and protruding from the catheter tip (Figure 1C).        This is of vital importance during in vivo manipulation of the catheter/needle.        The angle of the index finger varies with the length  of individual needle used (Figure 2).        The index stopper finger and the thumb on the needle are kept along either side of the direction indicator (Figures 1C, 2 and 3).        Thus, during in vivo manipulation of the catheter/needle, it is easier to rotate the needle, and the direction indicator is clearly visible to the operator and the tutor, if any (Figure 3).	Figure 1 Catheter/Needle Fitting Exercise Figure 2 Figure 3 Indicator Directions
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