| Sub-title | |
| Authors | V Grech Albert Fenech H Felice J V DeGiovanni |
| Abstract | Atrial septal defects (ASD) are congenital deficiencies in the interatrial septum, and are most commonly found in the fossa ovalis. These lesions comprise 10% of all congenital heart defects. Haemodynamically significant defects cause pulmonary hypertension in later life unless closed surgically or by interventional catheter. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is found in almost 50% of cryptogenic strokes and transient ischaemic attacks (TIA). In these individuals, the recurrence risk for stroke is 2-4% per annum, and for TIA the risk is 1-2% per annum. Medical treatment is not very efficacious. Interventional catheter closure is now possible, and a recent study with a mean of 15 months of follow-up has shown that device closure of a PFO in individuals who have sustained a neurological event resulted in no strokes and a 1.7% per annum risk of TIA1. In this paper, we document over 35 ASD/PFO local closures using the Amplatzer ASO device and the Gortex Helex device. The technique of closure is described using still pictures and animations taken locally during such a procedure. To date, we have not had any complications. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
| Pages | - |
| Date | |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | amplatzer ASO device closure of secundum atrial septal defects, patent foramen ovale |