Balloon Septostomy
An interventional procedure using a balloon catheter to create or enlarge an opening in the atrial septum.
Full Definition
Balloon septostomy is an emergency or palliative interventional cardiac procedure performed to create or enlarge an atrial septal communication using a balloon catheter. The technique involves advancing a balloon-tipped catheter across the atrial septum and inflating it to tear the septum during rapid withdrawal. This procedure is most commonly performed in neonates with transposition of the great arteries to improve atrial mixing and oxygenation. The Rashkind balloon septostomy is the classic technique, though blade septostomy may also be employed. Editorial teams should note the single 's' in 'septostomy' and avoid confusion with 'septectomy.'
Usage
Usage note: Note single 's' in septostomy; distinguish from septectomy (surgical removal).
In Context
- "Emergency balloon septostomy was performed to improve mixing in the neonate with TGA." — Emergency procedure report
- "The balloon septostomy successfully increased the atrial septal defect size from 3mm to 8mm." — Interventional cardiology report