Recent advances in closure of atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale.

Overview

Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) is now widely accepted as an alternative to surgical closure. With currently available devices and techniques, approximately 80-90% of secundum ASDs and all PFOs can be closed percutaneously. While many devices are available, the use of any particular device is dictated largely by individual defect anatomy, device availability, long-term considerations, approval status (US Food and Drug Administration approval versus CE mark), and physician preference.