balloon atrial septostomy
A palliative cardiac catheterization procedure to create or enlarge an atrial septal defect to improve mixing of blood.
Full Definition
Balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) is a palliative catheter-based intervention that creates or enlarges an atrial septal defect to improve intracardiac mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The procedure involves inflating a balloon catheter across the atrial septum and then rapidly pulling it back to tear the septum. BAS is most commonly performed in neonates with transposition of the great arteries to improve oxygenation prior to surgical repair. The procedure may also be used in other conditions where mixing is inadequate, such as tricuspid atresia or mitral atresia. BAS is also known as the Rashkind procedure.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from Rashkind procedure (same procedure); specify indication and results.
In Context
- "Emergency balloon atrial septostomy was performed to improve oxygenation in the cyanotic neonate." — Procedure note
- "The balloon atrial septostomy resulted in improved mixing with oxygen saturation increasing to 75%." — Post-procedure assessment