NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN INTRACARDIAC AND INTRAVASCULAR DEVICES FOR CONGENITAL HEART-DISEASE

Techniques of transcatheter device placement for treatment of pediatri c congenital heart disease have developed substantially since their in troduction 20 years ago. Patent ductus arteriosus occlusion can be acc omplished by umbrella deployment or coil placement. Intracardiac defec ts can be closed with umbrella or buttoned devices. Stenoses of vessel s or conduits that are only temporarily relieved with balloon dilation can be effectively expanded with intravascular stents. Recent procedu ral modifications have been introduced in an attempt to minimize the s ize of the delivery sheath and reduce complications that can arise fro m device embolization. Transcatheter device placement can be an import ant adjunct to surgery for correction or palliation of congenital hear t lesions.