Device closure of an atrial septal defect from the upper caval vein: simplified technique.

Abstract

Interruption of the inferior caval vein complicates device closure of atrial septal defects. We present a case where a simplified technique was used: from right jugular access the delivery system was directly engaged into the left atrium, where the entire septal occluder was deployed. Both discs were aligned with the interatrial septum, after which the right disc was recaptured and re-deployed in the right atrium under tension. This technique will allow device closure of atrial septal defects from the upper caval vein in selected cases.