Transcatheter closure of interatrial communications with a modified umbrella device

Abstract

Objective-To show the institutional experience of closure of interatrial communications with a modified umbrella device. Design-Descriptive study of all patients in whom transcatheter umbrella closure of interatrial communications has been attempted. Setting-A tertiary referral centre. Patients-16 patients with 17 interatrial communications ofvarious types. Interventions-Transcatheter placement of a modified Rashkind umbrella occluder. Results-Two procedural failures due to venous access problems. Two placement failures needing early surgical repair. 13 successful placements in 12 patients. Conclusions-The modified Rashkind umbrella can successfully be used to close both iatrogenic and naturally occurring interatrial communications, particularly those present after the Fontan procedure.