TRANSCATHETER CLOSURE OF ATRIAL AND VENTRICULAR SEPTAL-DEFECTS

The clamshell double umbrella (Bard Clamshell Septal Umbrella, USCI Di vision, C. R. Bard, Billerica, MA) was developed to allow closure of s eptal defects, both atrial and ventricular. The device and delivery sy stem and the techniques for implanting the device in atrial and ventri cular defects are described in detail. Although fractures of the arms supporting the umbrellas in some patients have lead to modification of the device, the early experience in clinical trails are encouraging.