Acute animal studies of the STARFlex system: A new self-centering cardioSEAL septal occluder

The STARFlex system is a modified CardioSEAL device with a flexible self‐centering mechanism comprised of nitinol springs strung between opposing arms, a connecting ball (sleeve joint that allows the device to pivot prerelease), and a front‐loading delivery system. It was designed to allow a smaller device/defect sizing ratio and delivery profile, provide centering capability, and improve closure rates. To test this system, 13 devices (23, 28, and 33 mm) were deployed in six sheep within created atrial septal defects (12‐ to 22‐mm diameter; n = 10), in the left atrium (n = 2), and in inferior vena cava (n = 1). All implantations in atrial septal defects were successful, with device/defect ratio ranging from 1.3 to 1.9 (median, 1.3), with no residual leak by angiography or echocardiography in seven (3/10 had ≤ small immediate leaks). The STARFlex system was effective in closing created atrial septal defects using a 10 Fr delivery sheath and low device/defect sizing ratios, comparing favorably with the standard CardioSEAL. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 49:225–233, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.