[Percutaneous closure of an interatrial communication via the internal jugular route using an Amplatzer prosthesis]

Closure of interatrial communications by interventional catheterisation is recommended and effective. The usual approach is via the femoral vein. However, difficulty in positioning the probe and the guide in a stable fashion across the septal defect occurred during closure of the interatrial communication by the percutaneous route in a 71 year old female with severe scoliosis. This deformity most certainly contributed to the failure of the femoral approach. The decision for closure by the internal jugular route was taken and allowed closure of the interatrial communication to be achieved. The internal jugular route can be an alternative for closure of interatrial communications with difficult access.