This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by MEISTER, S. G. Articles by HELFANT, R. H. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by MEISTER, S. G. Articles by HELFANT, R. H.

(Circulation. 1974;49:42.)
© 1974 American Heart Association, Inc.

---

A Balloon Tipped Catheter for Obtaining His Bundle Electrograms Without Fluoroscopy

STEVEN G. MEISTER M.D.¹; VIDYA S. BANKA M.D.¹; KUL D. CHADDA M.D.¹; RICHARD H. HELFANT M.D.¹

¹ From the Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Presbyterian-University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

A technique for recording His bundle activity in man without fluoroscopic guidance is described. Balloon tipped tri- or tetrapolar catheters were designed with pacing electrodes located at the catheter tip, and two fine sensing electrodes 4 and 5 cm behind it. The catheter tip was preformed into a "J" curve. Following percutaneous transfemoral insertion, the catheter is floated to the right ventricle under electrocardiographic control. This tip configuration and the transfemoral route of insertion typically directs the catheter into an inverted "J" position with its tip in or near the right ventricular apex. Subsequent catheter withdrawal carries the sensing electrodes through the superior portion of the tricuspid valve and permits recording from the His bundle. With this technique His bundle recordings were possible in 23 of 24 patients. Re-advancement into the right ventricular apex permits stable temporary pacing.

Key Words: His bundle electrograms • Flow-guided catheters • Temporary transfemoral pacing

Submitted on June 14, 1973
Accepted on August 20, 1973