Balloon Septostomy is a procedure in which a foramen ovale, patent foramen ovale (PFO), or atrial septal defect (ASD) are widened via cardiac catheterization (heart cath) using a balloon catheter. The procedure allows a greater amount of oxygenated blood to enter the systemic circulation.
During the procedure, a deflated balloon catheter is inserted into the first catheter and guided to the heart. A small camera inside the balloon catheter allows the specialist to see the heart on a video monitor and a series of X-rays with dye and contrast are taken. The success rate for the treatment remains between 64-76%.
