Advances in transcatheter patch occlusion of heart defects

The transcatheter patch device consists of the following components: a sleeve type polyurethane patch, a double balloon support catheter and a retrieval thread. It has been applied in a variety of heart defects, including various types of atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus. New advances include an accelerated release time for many applications and better immobilization. Using accelerated fibrin formation principles, transcatheter path release time has been decreased to less than 24 hours for patient ductus arteriosus and some ventricular septal defects; in contrast 48 hours are required for patch release in large atrial septal defects. The device is also unlikely to move away from the septum using the new immobilization methods. Since the patch is inflatable, only three sizes are required for the occlusion of all defect types and sizes.

In conclusion the transcatheter patch is applicable in a variety of heart defects; the procedure is safer and faster, becoming outpatient, for many applications. Furthermore, it is cost effective.