Patch for Ventricular Septal Defects
At the recent meeting of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, researchers from the Mayo Clinic presented findings from a study with a small cohort of patients with a ventricular septal defect. The cardiologists used a patching device manufactured by AGA Medical Corporation called the Amplatzer Occluder.
The device is comprised of two disks made of a flexible metal, nitinol, and polyester fabric. The patch is threaded into the heart and opened at the site of rupture to repair the hole.
Heart tissue can grow over the fabric over time to create a more permanent closure of the defect.
Current treatments for the condition have a high risk side effect profile. Though these results are promising, the study was only in a group of ten patients. Further studies are required to verify findings.
Related stories:
- Philips Launches Integrated Solution for Electrophysiology
- Defibrillator Analyzers Available
- Assistance for Catheter Placement
May 14, 2007 Related topics: Cardiology