Interatrial Septal Defects

Defects of the interatrial septum are congenital pathologies, present since birth. When there is a tissue all around the atrial wall, but there is a lack of adhesion between the membranes that form the septum, therefore the defect is a patent foramen ovale (PFO).  When there is a real lack of tissue on the atrial wall the then the defect is an interatrial septal defect (ASD).

FORAMEN OVAL PERMEABLE (FOP). PERCUTANEOUS CLOSURE

The patent foramen ovale occurs as a consequence of a lack of adhesion between the two membranes forming the interauricular wall. The presence of this defect in itself is not considered a congenital heart disease, but it has been observed that it may be associated with a higher incidence of cerebrovascular accidents. Therefore, in patients with a stroke (cerebral embolism) and a PFO, it is possible that a thrombus in a vein of the legs might have gone throughout the PFO towards the the cerebral arteries.

In these cases PFO can safely be closed using a septal occluder device.  (VIDEO 3). The procedure is done through a femoral vein with local anesthesia and the procedure has a high rate of success (>99%) with very low rate of complications.

To determine whether you are eligible for this technology you will require a complete evaluation by our medical team with a blood test and a transesophageal echocardiography.

INTERATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECTS. PERCUTANEOUS CLOSURE

The atrial communication occurs as a consequence of a lack of tissue between the right and left atrium giving rise to a hole that communicates both cavities. This communication results in the passage of blood from the left atrium (of greater pressure) to the right, resulting in a volume overload. The ASD is often diagnosed during the study of a murmur and when symptoms are presented the main complains are lack of air (dyspnea) or fatigue. It can also be diagnosed in the context of a cerebral embolism.

The ASD closure can be done by implanting a septum occluder device through a femoral venous access. The success rate of the technique is very high with a minimum rate of complications, and can even be performed with local anesthesia guided by intracardiac ultrasound.

To determine whether you are eligible for this technology you will require a complete evaluation by our medical team with a blood test and a transesophageal echocardiography.