Atrial septal defect repair methods

Abstract An atrial septal defect (ASD) is the third most common form of congenital heart disease and is often only diagnosed in adulthood. The chapter describes different forms of ASD with their symptoms and diagnoses and methods that have historically been used to repair them. Transcatheter ASD repair technology is explained and the construction and functioning of a variety of devices is described, with particular reference to the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of textile components. The chapter concludes with an overview of recent developments. 

Congenital heart disease (CHD) occurs in approximately 25 000 births per year in the United States. An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a spedfic form of CHD and is the third most common type of defect. Many people suffer from this disorder and in many cases it is only detected when the patient reaches middle age. Effective and efficient methods of repair are therefore needed to minimize the risks associated with traditional methods of ASD repair. In recent years, transcatheter closure methods for secundum type ASD have been developed. Currently the Amplatzer Septal Occluder, the Gore Helex Septal Occluder and the NMT Medical CardioSEAL-STARFiex Septal Occlusion systems have received FDA approval for ASD repair, the first of these only in 2001. This indicates that the use of these devices is still in its infancy. It can therefore be assumed that much more can be done to develop improved and more effective closure devices. It is the purpose of this chapter to describe ASDs and to outline the available technology with regard to transcatheter ASD repair devices. Hie discussion will centre around their construction and functioning, with special reference to their textile component. 

---