TITLE:
To What Extent Can Transcatheter Devices Replace Open-Heart Surgery in the Treatment of Cardiac Septal Defects?
AUTHORS:
Aathi S. Somanathan
KEYWORDS:
Cardiac Septal Defect, Atrial, Transthoracic, Transcatheter, Septal Occluder, Hybrid
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery,
Vol.12 No.10,
October
31,
2022
ABSTRACT: Transcatheter
treatments are widespread, having the advantages of being less invasive than surgery
with quicker recovery times and reduced physical and psychological consequences.
However correct patient selection is vital to optimise outcomes. In the case of
an isolated atrial septal defect (ASD), transcatheter closure is preferred. Whilst
multiple or large ASDs or ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are best treated through
the transthoracic approach. Furthermore, the development of the transcatheter approach
has yielded devices that can be used in the transthoracic approach resulting in hybrid techniques.
This article aims to evaluate both transcatheter devices and open-heart surgery
in the treatment of cardiac septal defects. A brief discussion follows on from the causes and history
of cardiac defect treatments.