Transseptal left atrial puncture

A new method for the measurement of left atrial pressure in man is described. In 13 patients the interatrial septum was punctured by means of a flexible needle passed through a cardiac catheter which had been introduced from the saphenous vein and positioned with its tip against the fossa ovalis. No complications were observed after the procedures. The advantages of the technique and its present and projected usefulness are discussed.