Balloon septostomy
A balloon septostomy is the widening of the Foramen [ovale (heart)|foramen ovale], a patent [foramen ovale], or an atrial septal defect via cardiac catheterization using a balloon catheter. This procedure allows for a greater amount of oxygenated blood to enter the systemic circulation in some cases of cyanotic [heart defect|cyanotic] congenital heart defect.
After the catheter is inserted, the deflated balloon catheter is passed from the right atrium through the foramen ovale, PFO, or ASD into the left atrium; it is then inflated and pulled back through to the right atrium, thereby enlarging the opening and allowing greater amounts of blood to pass through it. The resulting man-made opening is one of many forms of shunting, and is often referred to as an ASD.
This is normally a palliative procedure used to prepare a patient for, or sustain them until, a corrective surgery can be performed. At this time the ASD is closed using either sutures or a cardiac patch, depending on the size or nature of the opening. The procedure is often unsuccessful in infants and children older than one month because of a thickened septum.