Transcatheter Closure of ASDs and PFOs : A Comprehensive Assessment

This volume covers everything you need to know about atrial communications; the pathology, anatomy, physiology, and natural history of treated and untreated patients; indications for intervention; surgical techniques currently used to close such defects; and transcatheter closure of these defects using approved and investigational devices. It also presents imaging techniques for guiding such procedures--including transthoracic echo, tranesophageal echo, intracardiac echo, and 2-D and 3-D technology--and using MRI to evaluate patients. Every device currently available, both approved and nonapproved, is discussed in detail along with technical analyses of how to close defects. In addition to addressing the association between PFOs and strokes and migraines, the contributors examine the status of all trials addressing transcatheter closure of ASDs and PFOs.