Atrial septostomy: stationary angioplasty balloon technique--experimental work and preliminary clinical applications

A new approach to creating an interatrial communication using a stationary fixed-diameter angioplasty balloon is presented. Stationary balloon septostomy was used to create an atrial communication in 19 young swine using a transseptal technique through a closed atrial septum, and in 18 newborn lambs through a patent foramen ovale. In animals with an intact septum, there was persistent patency of the atrial communication using balloons larger than 12 mm in diameter. The average diameter of the atrial communication was 96% of the expanded diameter of the angioplasty balloon. For newborn lambs with a patent foramen, a smooth oval atrial communication was noted by 4 weeks, and there was persistent patency of the opening using balloons larger than 15 mm in diameter. The average diameter of the opening was 81% of the diameter of the angioplasty balloon used. The new procedure was used successfully in five patients. All five showed resolution of the clinical symptomology. In conclusion, stationary angioplasty balloon atrial septostomy has been effective in producing interatrial communications, which remained patent for 4-14 weeks, in animals with intact septum, as well as in those with a patent foramen ovale.