Septal Closures
Why
is the doctor performing this procedure?
To close an
abnormal hole (called a defect) between two of the heart's chambers. Septal closure is used most often to repair atrial septal defects (ASD)
and patent foramen ovales
(PFO).
What
is the procedure?
There are
two techniques to repair a septal defect: the
traditional surgical method or a less-invasive, catheter-based approach.
The doctor will determine which technique is best, depending upon the
severity and type of defect.
Septal Closure utilizing the catheter-based technique allows
minimally invasive closure of an atrial septal defect (ASD), a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or a ventricular septal
defect (VSD). A balloon-tipped catheter is inserted first into an artery,
usually in the groin (the femoral artery). It is advanced to the right side
of the heart and positioned with the defect. The balloon is inflated and
deflated, producing an indentation to accurately measure the size and shape
of the defect. The balloon catheter is removed, and then another catheter
with the septal closure device attached is
advanced to the right side of the heart. Once properly positioned within
the defect, an umbrella-like device is opened within the heart's chambers,
first in the left atrium (or ventricle) and then in the right atrium (or
ventricle). The umbrella seals tightly to the surrounding normal septal tissue, creating a permanent closure of the
defect. The catheter is removed, and the septal
closure device remains in place.
Closures of ASDs, PFOs, and VSDs are usually performed using ultrasound catheters
to visualize and guide the procedure. These catheters are usually placed
via a vein in the leg (Intracardiac Echo or ICE)
or through the esophagus (Transesophageal Echo or
TEE).
Where
is the procedure performed?
In the
Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
How
long does this procedure take?
Septal closure usually takes 1-2 hours.
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