Balloon atrioseptostomy in the intensive care unit

Balloon atrioseptostomy (BAS) has remained an important palliative procedure in newborns with severe congenital heart defects. In 32 neonates BAS was performed without radiological control in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under echocardiographic monitoring. In 4 children the procedure was performed through the umbilical vein, in the rest - trough the femoral vein. In all cases BAS was terminated with good effect: the produced ASD measured 6.6 mm, O2 saturation of capillary blood rose by 23% (mean). In one neonate haemopericardium complicated the procedure, however it was immediately echocardiographically recognized and surgically treated. Our conclusion is that BAS can be efficiently performed in the ICU, solely under ECHO control in optimal conditions for the newborn (incubator). This is particularly important in critically ill neonates. This method can be also recommended for centers, which have poor or no access to haemodynamic laboratories but do possess the necessary equipment and personnel with experience in performing BAS.

Duke Scholars

Author Larry Bruce Goldstein Neurology, Stroke and Vascular Neurology