Transcatheter therapies for congenital heart disease in Taiwan

Transcatheter therapies have been widely applied in the treatment of congenital heart disease in Taiwan since 1985. Balloon dilation was routinely performed in the treatment of congenital as well as post operative stenotic lesions. Stenting of branch pulmonary arteries was performed in patients who did not achieve successful balloon dilation. We applied a strategy to close patent ductus that is using Gianturco coil for ductus >2.5 mm and Amplatzer duct occluder for ductus <2.5 mm. Amplatzer septal occluder is used to close secundum type atrial septal defect with very rare complications. Balloon sizing is not routinely performed for selection of device size. Amplatzer muscular VSD device is available but very few cases were performed. Amplatzer duct occluder has recently been used to close perimembranous VSD. The future development of interventional therapies for congenital heart disease in Taiwan is limited by very low birth rate and strict regulation from our government.
Source: European Journal of Heart Failure Supplements - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research