Underwent Balloon Atrial Septostomy Research Articles

Balloon atrial septostomy versus left atrial cannulation for left heart decompression in children with dilated cardiomyopathy and myocarditis on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: An ELSO registry analysis.

In children with myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiogenic shock, it is often necessary to decompress the left heart to minimize distension and promote myocardial recovery. We compare outcomes in those who underwent balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) versus direct left atrial (LA) drainage for left heart decompression in this population. Retrospective study of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) multicenter registry of patients ≤ 18years with myocarditis or DCM on ECMO who underwent LA decompression. Descriptive and univariate statistics assessed association of patient factors with decompression type. Multivariable logistic regression sought independent associations with outcomes. 369 pediatric ECMO runs were identified. 52% myocarditis, 48% DCM, overall survival 74%. 65% underwent BAS and 35% LA drainage. Patient demographics including age, weight, gender, race/ethnicity, diagnosis, pre-ECMO pH, mean airway pressure, and arrest status were similar. 89% in the BAS group were peripherally cannulated onto ECMO, versus 3% in the LA drainage group (p < .001). On multivariable analysis, LA drainage (OR 3.96; 95% CI, 1.47-10.711; p = .007), renal complication (OR 2.37; 95% CI, 1.41-4.01; p = .001), cardiac complication (OR 3.14; 95% CI, 1.70-5.82; p < .001), and non-white race/ethnicity (OR 1.75; 95% CI, 1.04-2.94; p = .035) were associated with greater odds of mortality. There was a trend toward more episodes of pulmonary hemorrhage in BAS (n = 17) versus LA drainage group (n = 3), p = .08. Comparing only those with central cannulation, LA drainage group was more likely to be discontinued from ECMO due to recovery (72%) versus the BAS group (48%), p = .032. In children with myocarditis or DCM, there was a three times greater likelihood for mortality with LA drainage versus BAS for LA decompression. When adjusted for central cannulation groups only, there was better recovery in the LA drainage group and no difference in mortality. Further prospective evaluation is warranted.

PEDS7: Balloon Atrial Septostomy versus Left Atrial Cannulation for Left Heart Decompression in Children with Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Myocarditis on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Purpose: To describe the association of left heart decompression with balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) compared to left atrial (LA) cannulation with survival in children with myocarditis or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods: Retrospective study of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) multicenter registry of patients ≤ to 18 years old with myocarditis or DCM on ECMO who underwent LA decompression. Only index ECMO run within a hospitalization was included. Descriptive and univariate statistics assessed association of patient factors with decompression type. Multivariable logistic regression sought independent associations with outcomes. Results: 321 pediatric ECMO runs were identified. 57% myocarditis (n=183) and 43% DCM (n=138). Survival overall was 74%. 67% underwent balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) and 33% underwent left atrial cannulation. Patient demographics including age, weight, gender, race/ethnicity, diagnosis, pre-ECMO pH, mean airway pressure, and arrest status were similar between groups. Median ECMO duration was longer in the BAS group compared to LA cannulation (7.2 versus 5.7 days respectively, p=0.002). 82 (78%) were centrally versus peripherally (22%, n=23) cannulated on ECMO in the LA cannulation group, versus 19 (9%) centrally versus 194 (91%) peripherally cannulated in the BAS group. On multivariable analysis, we found LA cannulation (OR 3.68; 95% CI, 1.86-7.31; p<0.001), neurologic complication (OR 5.25; 95% CI, 2.38-11.58; p<0.001), renal complication (OR 2.74; 95% CI, 1.41-5.29; p=0.003), and cardiac complication (OR 2.64; 95% CI, 1.30-5.38; p=0.007) were associated with greater odds of mortality. There were more episodes of pulmonary hemorrhage in the BAS group (n=17) compared to the LA cannulation group (n=2). Conclusions: Our findings indicate better left heart decompression with an LA cannula compared to BAS given a lower incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage in the LA cannulation group. There was a three times greater likelihood for mortality in children with myocarditis and DCM on ECMO who undergo LA cannulation compared to BAS, however, they appear to be fundamentally different cohorts. Further prospective evaluation with adjustment for severity of illness is warranted.

Efficacy of fenestrated atrial septal defect occulders on pulmonary hypertension dogs

Objective: To explore the short-term efficacy of fenestrated atrial septal defect (ASD) occulders in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods: Thirty-six healthy dogs were divided into the balloon atrial septostomy (BAS)+fenestrated ASD occulders group (n=12), BAS group (n=12) and non-septostomy group (n=12). PAH was induced by intra-atrial injection of dehydrogenized monocrotaline (1.5 mg/kg) in all dogs. Animals in the BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group underwent atrial septal puncture and fenestrated ASD occulders implantation. Animals in the BAS group underwent balloon atrial septostomy. The non-septostomy group received no surgical intervention. The hemodynamic indexes and blood N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) of dogs were measured before modeling, 2 months after modeling, 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, respectively. Echocardiography was performed to observe the patency of the shunt and atrial septostomy of the dogs in the BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group and BAS group at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Three dogs were sacrificed in each group at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, respectively. Atrial septal tissue and fenestrated ASD occulders were removed to observe the patency and endothelialization of the device. Lung tissues were obtained for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe the inflammatory cells infiltration and the thickening and narrowing of the pulmonary arterials. Results: Among 36 dogs, 2 dogs died within 24 hours after modeling, and 34 dogs were assigned to BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group (n=12), BAS group (n=11), and non-septostomy group (n=11). Compared with BAS group, the average right atrial pressure (mRAP) and NT-proBNP of dogs in the BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group were significantly reduced at 3 months after surgery (P<0.05), and the cardiac output (CO) was significantly increased at 6 months after surgery, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) was also significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with non-septostomy group, dogs in the BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group had significantly lower mRAP and NT-proBNP at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery (P<0.05), and higher CO and lower SaO2 at 6 months after surgery (P<0.05). Compared with the non-septostomy group, the dogs in the BAS group had significantly lower mRAP and NT-proBNP at 1 month after surgery (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference on mRAP and NT-proBNP at 3 and 6 months after surgery (P>0.05). Echocardiography showed that there was a minimal right-to-left shunt in the atrial septum in the BAS group at 1 month after the surgery, and the ostomy was closed in all the dogs in the BAS group at 3 months after the surgery. There was still a clear right-to-left shunt in the dogs of BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group. The shunt was well formed and satisfactory endothelialization was observed at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. The results of HE staining showed that the pulmonary arterials were significantly thickened, stenosis and collapse occurred in the non-septostomy group. Pulmonary microvascular stenosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in the pulmonary arterials were observed in the non-septostomy group. Pulmonary arterial histological results were comparable between BAS+fenestrated ASD occulders group and non-septostomy group at 6 months after surgery. Conclusions: The fenestrated ASD occulder has the advantage of maintaining the open fistula hole for a longer time compared with simple balloon dilation. The fenestrated ASD occulder can improve cardiac function, and it is safe and feasible to treat PAH in this animal model.

Ductal Stenting to Retrain the Involuted Left Ventricle in a Late Presenter Infant With Transposition of the Great Arteries, Intact Interventricular Septum

INTRODUCTION: Ductal stenting can be a nonsurgical option and less morbid method to provide pressure and volume overload to the regressing left ventricle in late presenters of transposition of the great arteries, intact ventricular septum (TGA-IVS), prior to arterial switch operation (ASO). CASE PRESENTATION: This is a case of an infant diagnosed with TGA-IVS beyond the neonatal period who underwent balloon atrial septostomy and ductal stenting to retrain involuted left ventricle prior to definitive ASO. DISCUSSION: Ductal stenting is an alternative option in late presenters of transposition of the great arteries with involuted left ventricle. It provides volume loading and, to a lesser extent, pressure loading leading to left ventricular hypertrophy. Also, presence of the stented duct allows improved oxygenation eliminating the need for aortopulmonary shunt. It can be a less morbid method of left ventricular training because it avoids hemodynamic stress, pulmonary artery distortion, and neoaortic valve regurgitation. CONCLUSION: Ductal stenting in late presenters with TGA-IVS successfully retrains the left ventricle and achieves safe late ASO. KEYWORDS: congenital heart disease, transposition of great arteries, PDA stenting, arterial switch operation

Infants with pulmonary atresia intact ventricular septum who require balloon atrial septostomy have significantly higher 18-month mortality.

Many newborns with pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum require intervention to establish pulmonary flow and sufficient cardiac output. The resulting haemodynamic changes are not well characterised and may have unintended consequences. This is a 30-year (1988-2018) retrospective study of patients with pulmonary atresia intact ventricular septum. Eighty-nine patients were included, and median follow-up was 8 years. Fifty-five per cent had coronary sinusoids and 27% had right ventricular-dependent coronary circulation. Most patients were managed with surgical aortopulmonary or modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (73%), and 12 patients underwent balloon atrial septostomy before surgical intervention. The remaining patients (27%) underwent only transcatheter interventions; 7 required an atrial septostomy and 17 required ductal stentings. All-cause mortality was 10%, most deaths (89%) occurred before 18 months of age. Of these early deaths, 87% required a balloon atrial septostomy and 85% had right ventricular-dependent coronary sinusoids. Eighteen-month mortality was significantly higher for patients who required a balloon atrial septostomy compared to those who did not (36% versus 1.4% p < 0.0001). Patients with pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum who require balloon atrial septostomy in the newborn period have significantly higher 18-month mortality. Quantifying the mortality difference may help guide prognostication and expectation setting. Infants who had septostomy and a surgical shunt in the newborn period fared better than those who only underwent septostomy (even when accompanied by ductal stenting). For infants with right ventricular-dependent circulation, atrial septostomy should only be performed on an urgent or emergent basis and these patients should be considered for early surgical intervention and neonatal transplant.

Prevalence and Outcomes of Balloon Atrial Septostomy in Neonates With Transposition of Great Arteries.

Transposition of the great arteries is the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect. Surgical correction usually occurs in the first week of life; presence of restrictive interatrial communication and severe hypoxemia warrants urgent intervention with balloon atrial septostomy and medical stabilization prior to surgery. The main objective of this study is to compare the characteristics, outcomes, and mortality risks in patients with transposition of the great arteries who underwent balloon atrial septostomy during their hospitalization versus transposition of the great arteries patients who have not undergone this procedure. Retrospective analysis of administrative data. Data from Kids' Inpatient Database complemented with the National Inpatient Sample dataset for the years 1998-2014, this includes data from participating hospitals in 47 U.S. States and the District of Columbia. Neonates admitted with transposition of the great arteries. None. A total of 17,392 neonates with diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries were captured in the databases we used. Male-to-female ratio was 2:1. The rate of balloon atrial septostomy in patients with transposition of the great arteries was 27.7% without significant change over the years. There was no significant difference in mortality between balloon atrial septostomy and no balloon atrial septostomy (6.3% vs 6.7%; p = 0.29). Neonates with balloon atrial septostomy had a two-fold increase in their length of stay compared with no balloon atrial septostomy (16 d vs 7 d; p < 0.0001). Stroke was present in 1.1% of balloon atrial septostomy group versus 0.6% in those who did not have balloon atrial septostomy (odds ratio, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.29-2.65; p < 0.0001). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used more in balloon atrial septostomy group (5.1% vs 3.1%; p < 0.0001). There was no difference in mortality rate between balloon atrial septostomy and no balloon atrial septostomy patients. The prevalence of the diagnosis of stroke in this study was higher in patients who underwent balloon atrial septostomy. Furthermore, comparison of in-hospital mortality in balloon atrial septostomy and no balloon atrial septostomy revealed increased mortality risk in no balloon atrial septostomy patients transferred from other institution, no balloon atrial septostomy patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and balloon atrial septostomy patients diagnosed with stroke. Finally, length of stay and charges were higher in balloon atrial septostomy patients.

Neuroimaging findings in newborns with congenital heart disease prior to surgery: an observational study

ObjectivesNeurodevelopmental impairment has become the most important comorbidity in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). We aimed to (1) investigate the burden of brain lesions in infants with CHD prior...

New coronary transfer technique for transposition of the great arteries with a single coronary artery

New coronary transfer technique for transposition of the great arteries with a single coronary artery

Inadvertent complication of the Senning procedure

A 34-year-old man with complete transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) presented for the first time to our clinic. He previously underwent balloon atrial septostomy (Rashkind procedure) early after birth followed by a Senning procedure at the age of 2 months together with ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus. He has been asymptomatic since his surgery. Transthoracic echocardiogram was technically challenging yet revealed a mildly dilated, hypertrophied systemic right ventricle with mild systolic dysfunction, normal sub-pulmonary left ventricular size and systolic function with no baffle leak or stenosis. No significant valvulopathy was noted (Movie). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) showed a moderately hypertrophied systemic right ventricle with normal systolic function (right ventricular ejection fraction 48 %). The sub-pulmonic left ventricle was dilated with normal systolic function. Systemic venous baffles were patent. The pulmonary venous portion of the baffle was patent. The main pulmonary artery and both branches were dilated (Fig. 1). Fig. 1 a CMR short-axis steady-state free precession (SSFP) coronal image showing hypertrabeculated systemic RV with dilated LV. b CMR angiography revealing the left lower PV draining superiorly to a larger common left-side PV ... CMR angiography and CCT uncovered a tortuous varix of the left lower pulmonary vein (PV) draining superiorly to a larger common left-side PV which in turn connected to the superior aspect of the left atrium to the left of the Senning baffle (residual left-to-right shunt). Qp:Qs ratio was estimated at 1.9 by flow data and 2.1 by stroke volume analysis. The right PVs were dilated (Fig. 1). Due to the presence of significant residual left-to-right shunt with a dilated sub-pulmonic ventricle, cardiac catheterisation and potential corrective surgery were recommended. However, the patient declined the procedure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature exploring an unusual anomalous PV connection in a patient with D‑TGA following atrial switch procedure. We speculate that the patient had this anomalous connection since birth but may have been overlooked during surgical correction [1–3].

The hybrid approach for palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome: Intermediate results of a single-center experience

IntroductionHypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a major cause of cardiac death during the first week of life. The hybrid approach is a reliable, reproducible treatment option for patients with HLHS. Herein we report our results using this approach, focusing on its efficacy, safety and late outcome. MethodsWe reviewed prospectively collected data on patients treated for HLHS using a hybrid approach between July 2007 and September 2014. ResultsNine patients had a stage 1 hybrid procedure, with seven undergoing a comprehensive stage 2 procedure. One patient completed the Fontan procedure. Five patients underwent balloon atrial septostomy after the hybrid procedure; in three patients, a stent was placed across the atrial septum. There were three deaths: two early after the hybrid procedure and one early after stage two palliation. Overall survival was 66%. ConclusionsIn our single-center series, the hybrid approach for HLHS yields intermediate results comparable to those of the Norwood strategy. The existence of dedicated teams for the diagnosis and management of these patients, preferably in high-volume centers, is of major importance in this condition.

The hybrid approach for palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome: Intermediate results of a single-center experience

IntroductionHypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a major cause of cardiac death during the first week of life. The hybrid approach is a reliable, reproducible treatment option for patients with HLHS. Herein we report our results using this approach, focusing on its efficacy, safety and late outcome. MethodsWe reviewed prospectively collected data on patients treated for HLHS using a hybrid approach between July 2007 and September 2014. ResultsNine patients had a stage 1 hybrid procedure, with seven undergoing a comprehensive stage 2 procedure. One patient completed the Fontan procedure. Five patients underwent balloon atrial septostomy after the hybrid procedure; in three patients, a stent was placed across the atrial septum. There were three deaths: two early after the hybrid procedure and one early after stage two palliation. Overall survival was 66%. ConclusionsIn our single-center series, the hybrid approach for HLHS yields intermediate results comparable to those of the Norwood strategy. The existence of dedicated teams for the diagnosis and management of these patients, preferably in high-volume centers, is of major importance in this condition.

Early Complication of Mustard Procedure after Late Repair

A 25-year-old woman with complete transposition of the great arteries presented for routine follow-up one year post Mustard procedure. She previously underwent balloon atrial septostomy (Rashkind procedure) early after birth, but her family declined further surgery. She developed progressive pulmonary hypertension early in life, shortness of breath on moderate exertion, followed by progressive exercise intolerance and desaturation (80-85%) over the preceding two years. Pre-operative pulmonary pressure was estimated at approximately 90 mmHg by cardiac catheterization. Subsequently, she underwent a palliative Mustard procedure. Recovery was uneventful with improvement of her functional status and oxygen saturation between 90-95%. Routine transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) one year post-procedure revealed a severely dilated, hypertrabeculated systemic right ventricle with mild systolic dysfunction and normal sub-pulmonary left ventricular size and systolic function. Additionally, color Doppler showed turbulence at the junction of the upper and lower limbs of the systemic venous baffles suggestive of significant stenosis without baffle leak (Fig. 1, Supplementary movie 1-3). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance confirmed the TTE findings of significant narrowing of the superior vena cava (SVC) and inferior vena cava (IVC) baffles at the venoatrial junction. The pulmonary venous portion of the baffle was patent. The main pulmonary artery and both branches were severely dilated (Fig. 2, Supplementary movie 4-7). Fig. 1 Transthoracic echocardiogram apical 4-chamber view (A) with zoom mode (B) demonstrating the connections of the systemic venous circulation with significant color turbulence suggestive of baffle stenosis at the veno-atrial junction (arrow). LV: left ventricle, ... Fig. 2 A: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance 4-chamber steady-state free precession (SSFP) image showing the trabeculated dilated systemic RV and patent pulmonary venous baffle (arrow). B: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance coronal SSFP image showing the typical ... Due to the presence of significant narrowing of the SVC/IVC baffles, cardiac catheterization was recommended to assess the gradients across the stenotic areas and to potentially perform balloon angioplasty/stenting. However, the patient declined as she felt noticeable improvement of her symptoms following the Mustard procedure. Herein we present a rare case describing a known complication of Mustard procedures as early as one year post-operatively, in addition to the Mustard procedure itself, which was delayed until 24 years of age. The etiology of baffle stenosis post-Mustard procedure is not clear however, speculations include difficult sizing of the baffles in adult heart, localized scarring of the patch at the suture line or perhaps anatomical distortion. Surprisingly, the patient had an improvement in symptoms after the procedure despite this significant subsequent obstruction of the systemic venous pathways.1-3)

Balloon atrial septostomy performed “out-of-hours”: effects on the outcome

Balloon atrial septostomy is a common palliative procedure in neonates with cyanotic congenital heart disease with restricted interatrial blood flow. Despite its advantages, balloon atrial septostomy is not a risk-free procedure and can be associated with numerous complications. The objective of this study is to determine whether the performance of this procedure out-of-hours has a significant impact on the incidence of adverse outcome measures. A total of 106 neonates who underwent balloon atrial septostomy between 2004 and 2010 were studied retrospectively. In all, 64 infants had the procedure performed within routine hours (9 am to 6 pm), whereas 42 neonates underwent the procedure out-of-hours (6:01 pm to 8:59 am). Procedure-related complications occurred in 32 infants (30.2%), which included 12 out of 64 (18.8%) infants in the routine-hours group and 20 out of 42 (47.6%) in the out-of-hours group. During further follow-up after surgery and including both major and minor adverse events, seven more infants (10.9%) suffered complications after balloon atrial septostomy in the routine-hours group and four more infants (9.5%) suffered complications in the out-of-hours group. This totalled the complication rate in the routine-hours group to 19 infants (29.7%) and 24 infants (57.1%) in the out-of-hours group (p = 0.001). A higher overall mortality rate was also noted in the out-of-hours group. Balloon atrial septostomy performed out-of-hours produced higher complication rates as opposed to balloon atrial septostomy performed during routine hours. Only essential cases should be undertaken at night, and all other cases should be deferred to the daytime to limit unnecessary adverse complication.

Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Transposition of the Great Arteries Treated With Mustard Atrial Baffle

The survival of patients with D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) has dramatically improved with corrective surgical procedures, including the atrial and arterial switch operations. In the current era, the majority of the adult patients typically have undergone atrial switch operations, either a Senning or a Mustard procedure. Late complications include baffle obstruction, systemic ventricular failure, systemic atrioventricular valve regurgitation, and rhythm disturbances. The most common atrial arrhythmia in this population is intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia (IART), which has been associated with development of heart failure and death.1–4 Proarrhythmic factors include atrial enlargement from tricuspid regurgitation and systemic right ventricular failure, as well as suture lines. As this population ages, chronic hemodynamic stress may result in atrial fibrillation as well. We present the first report of catheter ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation in a patient with D-TGA treated with prior Mustard repair. ### Case Report A 41-year-old man with D-TGA status post Mustard repair presented with longstanding, recurrent atrial arrhythmias. He originally underwent balloon atrial septostomy 2 days after birth and a subsequent atrial switch procedure using the Mustard technique at 2 years of age.5 He did well until age 32, at which time he had recurrent symptomatic IART. EP study was performed. Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent flutter was induced and confirmed by entrainment mapping. Lines of ablation were drawn across the systemic venous baffle portion of the “medial” CTI and the pulmonary venous “lateral” CTI using a retrograde, aortic approach. Flutter terminated with ablation and could not be reinduced. Bidirectional block was demonstrated across the CTI. He remained arrhythmia-free for 2 years, then presented again at age 34 with exertional intolerance and fatigue due to partial obstruction of the pulmonary venous baffle. He underwent patch augmentation of the stenotic …

Effect of Prostaglandin Duration on Outcomes in Transposition of the Great Arteries with Intact Ventricular Septum

To study the effects of duration of preoperative prostaglandin E1 (PGE) exposure on perioperative outcomes of the arterial switch operation in patients with transposition of the great arteries with an intact ventricular septum. Retrospective chart review. Pediatric cardiac intensive care unit in a tertiary care children's hospital. All patients with transposition of the great arteries with an intact ventricular septum from 1995 to 2008. Inotropic score was calculated for all patients in the first 5 postoperative days and maximum inotropic score was recorded. Length of postoperative mechanical ventilation, fluid balance, mechanical ventilation time, as well as intensive care unit and hospital stay were recorded for all patients. Study population included 59 patients, 41 (69%) underwent balloon atrial septostomy. PGE was used in 52 patients, median exposure of 59 hours, range 0 to 272 hours. Longer preoperative PGE exposure was associated with longer preoperative mechanical ventilation (P < .001). There was no association between preoperative PGE duration and cardiopulmonary bypass time, cross-clamp time, or total hospital stay. Patients with longer preoperative PGE exposure had a lower postoperative inotrope score (10 vs. 15 P = .02). Greater preoperative PGE exposure was associated with prolonged preoperative mechanical ventilation. Longer PGE exposure was associated with lower postoperative inotrope requirements. Aggressive efforts to avoid or shorten PGE infusion duration may not be warranted in this population.

Balloon atrial septostomy and pre-operative brain injury in neonates with transposition of the great arteries: a systematic review and a meta-analysis

To perform a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the effects of balloon atrial septostomy on peri-operative brain injury in neonates with transposition of the great arteries. We conduct a systematic review of the literature to identify all observational studies that included neonates born with transposition of the great arteries who had peri-operative evidence of brain injury. The search strategy produced three prospective and two retrospective cohort studies investigating the association between balloon atrial septostomy and brain injury totalling 10,108 patients. In two studies, the outcome was represented by the presence of a coded diagnosis of a clinically evident stroke at discharge, whereas in three studies the outcome was represented by the finding of pre-operative brain injury identified by magnetic resonance scans. The overall brain injury rate for neonates who underwent balloon atrial septostomy versus control patients was 60 of 2273 (2.6%) versus 45 of 7835 (0.5%; pooled odds ratio, 1.90; 95% confidence intervals, 0.93-3.89; p = 0.08). A subgroup analysis of the three studies that used pre-operative brain injury as the primary outcome found no significant association between balloon atrial septostomy and brain injury (pooled odds ratio, 2.70; 95% confidence intervals, 0.64-11.33; p = 0.17). Balloon atrial septostomy frequency was 22.4% (2273 of 10,108), with reported rates ranging from 20% to 75%. Our analysis shows that balloon atrial septostomy is not associated with increased odds for peri-operative brain injury. Balloon atrial septostomy should still be used for those patients with significant hypoxaemia, haemodynamic instability, or both.

Circulation: Clinical Summaries

<i>Circulation:</i> Clinical Summaries

Complete cavopulmonary shunt completion after in utero balloon atrial septoplasty for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Complete cavopulmonary shunt completion after in utero balloon atrial septoplasty for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Migraine with aura following atrial septostomy for pulmonary arterial hypertension

A 34-year-old woman with known familial pulmonary arterial hypertension presented with syncope. Despite medical therapy with an endothelin-receptor antagonist and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, the patient had NYHA class III symptoms, with exertional dyspnea. Right heart catheterization revealed severe pulmonary hypertension (right atrial pressure 15 mmHg, right ventricular pressure 80/15 mmHg, pulmonary artery pressure 80/35 mmHg, mean pulmonary artery pressure 52 mmHg). The patient underwent balloon atrial septostomy, creating a right-to-left shunt. Although she had no history of headaches or migraine attacks, the patient developed a migraine headache with aura on the third day after the procedure. Migraine attacks recurred for the next 2 days, but symptoms were relieved with simple analgesia. Physical examination, electrocardiography, laboratory testing, 6-min-walk test, right heart catheterization, chest radiography, transesophageal echocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography. Migraine with aura following atrial septostomy. Bosentan, sildenafil, furosemide, spironolactone and warfarin therapy, atrial septostomy, and paracetamol therapy for migraine.

Balloon atrial septostomy under two-dimensional echocardiographic control: a new outlook.

Between January 1989 and February 1995 a group of 47 consecutive infants aged 31-180 days (mean 83.5 +/- 48.8 days) with various cyanotic heart diseases and poor intracardiac mixing underwent balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) under two-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic control in the procedure room or intensive care unit. Diagnoses were 27 cases of transposition of the great arteries (TGA), 1 mitral atresia, 9 tricuspid atresia, 7 critical pulmonary stenosis with hypoplastic right ventricle, 3 pulmonary atresia with intact interventricular septum, and 1 total anomalous pulmonary venous return. A standard subcostal view was used mainly to delineate the interatrial septum and to guide the balloon catheter. The creating (tearing) of the atrial septal defect was seen clearly during the procedure, and the 2D echocardiographic imaging was helpful for assessing the adequacy of the BAS at the end of the procedure. The results were good (5-9 mm in diameter) with no significant complications. The 2D echocardiographic scans showed no significant changes in the created atrial hole sizes during the follow-up of 1-6 months. We conclude that BAS under 2D echocardiographic control can be performed successfully and safely in infants with cyanotic congenital heart disease up to 6 months of age. This method should be considered for palliation, avoidance of surgery, or allowing the patient to survive until an appropriate time for corrective surgery.