Ultrasound-guided vs conventional venous puncture for atrial fibrillation ablation: the ULYSSES trial.
David Schaack, Kyoung-Ryul Julian Chun, Kars Neven et al.
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In 30 seconds
The ULYSSES trial, a multicenter randomized controlled trial, evaluated the efficacy of ultrasound-guided femoral venous puncture versus conventional palpation-guided puncture in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation. The study found that ultrasound guidance significantly reduced vascular access site complications, with a composite primary outcome occurring in 0.6% of the ultrasound group compared to 3.3% in the control group (risk ratio 0.19; P = .002).
Key findings
- Composite primary outcome occurred in 0.6% of the ultrasound group vs 3.3% in the control group (P = .002).
- Ultrasound guidance reduced unintended arterial punctures to 2% compared to 16% in the control group (P < .0001).
- Unsuccessful venous access attempts were 0.2% in the ultrasound group vs 8.2% in the control group (P < .0001).
Why it matters
This study highlights the potential of ultrasound guidance to enhance safety during atrial fibrillation ablation procedures by significantly reducing complications associated with venous access, which is a common concern in these interventions.