TITLE:
The Utility of Rashkind Balloon Atrioseptostomy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Experience at the Abidjan Institute of Cardiology
AUTHORS:
Yves N’da Kouakou N’goran, Akoun Oboe Ange-Marie Christopher, Tano-Akoto Micesse, Traoré Fatoumata Epouse Diaby, Avoh Ami Echua Manzan, Keita Massandjé Sara, Camara Zenabou, Kouamé Yves Wilfried, Coulibaly Abdoul-Wahab Sydick, Degni Iris Jeanne Audrey, Arriko Sarra Dominique Anita Guillet, Assie Ahou Sarrah Carelle, Yoboua Aimé Kirioua-Kamenan
KEYWORDS:
Rashkind Atrioseptostomy, Congenital Heart Disease, Sub-Saharan Africa, Abidjan Institute of Cardiology
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases,
Vol.16 No.10,
October
21,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Rashkind balloon atrioseptostomy is a vital palliative procedure for cyanotic congenital heart defects. In sub-Saharan Africa, access to corrective surgery remains a major challenge, in contrast to developed countries where the rate of transition to curative treatment reaches 95 percent. Objective: To describe the clinical course of patients following Rashkind balloon atrioseptostomy at the Abidjan Institute of Cardiology (ICA). Patients and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study (January 2023-March 2026) of seven cases of newborns who required atrioseptostomy under fluoroscopic guidance via the femoral approach at the ICA. Results: There were 7 patients with a mean age of 1 month and 9 days. Transposition of the great vessels (TGA) was the main indication (100 percent, n = 7). Technical success was achieved in 85 percent of cases (n = 6), with a mean interatrial communication of 5.3 mm. Mean arterial oxygen saturation rose from 64 percent pre-procedure to 87.8 percent post-procedure. The overall survival rate for our cohort was 85.7 percent (n = 6). We recorded one death (14.3 percent). Conclusion: Rashkind balloon atrioseptostomy is an essential therapeutic bridge for ICA, enabling immediate haemodynamic stabilisation. However, the long-term prognosis remains compromised by the difficulties in accessing paediatric open-heart surgery in our setting.