Transatrial access for left atrial pressure (LAP) monitoring line placement in arterial switch operation (ASO) in neonates.

Left Atrial pressure monitoring is a useful and accurate method to guide Left ventricle filling in the patients who undergo Arterial switch operation for transposition of great arteries. We have used a different technique in three TGA patients for LA pressure monitoring line placement. After cleaning and draping,right internal jugular vein (rt IJV) located through 22G venous cannula, guide wire was put in followed by sliding the 22G x 8cm vygon arterial catheter over the guide wire into the right atrium that was directed transatrially into LA by the operating surgeon during atrial septum repair. The catheter was secured by silk on the neck and dressed with transparent dressing and was kept for a period of 48-72 hrs. LA pressure monitoring is helpful in anticipating LV dysfunction in ASO.