Balloon Atrial Septostomy
An emergency catheter-based procedure to create or enlarge an atrial septal defect for palliative mixing of blood.
Full Definition
Balloon Atrial Septostomy, also known as the Rashkind procedure, is an urgent catheter-based intervention used to create or enlarge an atrial septal defect to improve mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. This procedure is most commonly performed in newborns with transposition of the great arteries or other complex congenital heart defects where adequate mixing is essential for survival. The procedure involves inserting a balloon-tipped catheter through the atrial septum, inflating it, and pulling it back forcefully to tear the septum and create a larger opening.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as BAS. Named after William Rashkind who developed the technique.
In Context
- "Emergency Balloon Atrial Septostomy was performed to improve mixing in this newborn with D-TGA." — Emergency procedure note
- "Balloon Atrial Septostomy successfully increased the atrial septal defect from 3mm to 8mm." — Interventional cardiology report