Comparison of two methods of esophageal radiography for locating transseptal puncture points

Objective Both meglumine diatrizoate and barium suffate are used as the contrast agent during esophageal radiography. We investigate which contrast agent is better in locating transseptal puncture points in patients undergoing percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty ( PBMV ). Methods A total of 350 patients were randomized to receive oral meglumine diatrizoate ( study group ), or barium sulfate as a contrast ( control group ) during esophageal radiography. Results The successful rate of locating puncture points and that of trarsseptal puncture were markedly higher in the study group and in the control group ( 97.1% vs. 90.9%, P＜ 0.05; and 95.4% vs. 87.4%, P＜ 0.01 ). The mean surgical duration was significantly shorter in the study group than in the control group [( 47 ± 18 )min vs.( 41 ± 16 )rmin, P＜ 0.01]. Conclusions Meglumine diatrizoate is better for locating of transeptal puncture points during esophageal radiography. Key words: Esophageal radiography;  Transseptal puncture;  Location