Transatrial access for left atrial pressure monitoring in cardiac surgery patients.

We describe a simple method for left atrial pressure (LAP) monitoring from the right to the left atrium (LA) by a central line catheter. The anesthesiologist cannulates vena jugularis interna and inserts two central line catheters. One catheter is placed in the vena cava superior and the second single-lumen catheter is placed in the right atrium. The surgeon positions a one-line catheter from the right in the LA during the transatrial surgical procedure. This new access diminishes bleeding complications.