VersaCross Transseptal System for Mitral Transcatheter Edge-To-Edge Repair With the PASCAL Repair Platform

BACKGROUND: VersaCross is a novel radiofrequency transseptal solution that may improve the efficiency and workflow of transseptal puncture (TSP). The aim of this study was to compare the VersaCross transseptal system with mechanical needle systems during mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) with the PASCAL device. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent M-TEER with the PASCAL. Transseptal puncture was undertaken with either a mechanical needle or the VersaCross wire. The primary endpoints were success of TSP and successful delivery of the Edwards sheath on the chosen delivery wire. Secondary endpoints included number of wires used, tamponade rate, interval from femoral venous access to TSP and first PASCAL device deployment, procedural death, and stroke. RESULTS: Thirty-three consecutive patients (10 with mechanical needle, 23 with VersaCross) who underwent M-TEER with the Edwards PASCAL device were identified. All patients had successful TSP. In the mechanical needle group, the Edwards sheath was successfully delivered on the Superstiff Amplatz wire in all cases. In the VersaCross arm, the radiofrequency wire was used successfully for delivery of the sheath in all cases. There were no cases of pericardial effusion/tamponade in either arm. Interval from femoral venous access to TSP and to deployment of the first PASCAL device was shorter with the VersaCross system. Significantly fewer wires were used with VersaCross. There were no procedural deaths or strokes in either group. CONCLUSIONS: VersaCross appears a safe and effective method of TSP and for delivery of the 22Fr sheath for M-TEER with PASCAL.