Innovation in intervention : new devices in interventional cardiology

Abstract

This thesis reports on the application of several new devices for percutaneous treatment of structural heart disease. A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a tunnellike communication between the right and the left atrium and has been associated with the occurrence of cryptogenic stroke. PFO closure has proven its efficacy in preventing recurrent TIA or stroke. An atrial septal defect (ASD) occurs when a part of the interatrial septum is missing and is characterized by a left-to-right shunt, resulting in volume overload of the right heart. Percutaneous closure has become common practice. New devices for PFO and ASD closure are being constructed to facilitate the procedure and to lower the complication rate. Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is an important clinical issue. Less invasive transcatheter techniques are proposed as an alternative treatment option in highsurgical- risk patients. The aims of this thesis were to study the safety and the efficacy if this new devices and techniques. The general discussion describes the different treatment options for PFO, ASD, and MR. We provide an overview of the literature with implementation of our study results, highlighting new techniques with recommendations for further investigation.