ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO RIGHT-VENTRICULAR ENDOMYOCARDIAL BIOPSY

Cardiologists are performing endomyocardial biopsy procedures with increasing frequency, particularly in patients who have undergone cardiac transplantation. Because of the necessity for performing multiple biopsies in many of these patients and the subsequent complications that may arise, we have developed a simple and efficient technique for obtaining endomyocardial biopsy samples. As an alternative to retrieving biopsy samples by the conventional right internal jugular or femoral venous approach, we use the right or left internal jugular or subclavian approach. The procedure utilizes a 7 Fr 35 cm sheath and dilator system placed into the right ventricle over a balloon-tipped catheter. After the sheath is positioned via either the internal jugular or subclavian vein, multiple samples can be obtained with standard available bioptomes. The sheath may then be exchanged for a triple-lumen catheter if desired. This approach permits routine changing of the central venous access lines within the sterile confines of the catheterization laboratory, with minimal discomfort to patients. We believe that this method represents an important alternative to conventional biopsy techniques. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.