Successful treatment of right ventricular failure with atrial septostomy

In the case reported, a patient with severe right ventricular failure following coronary revascularization was successfully weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass following creation of an atrial septal defect. This technique facilitated rapid decompression of the failing right ventricle by shunting blood to the more compliant left ventricle, thus augmenting left ventricular preload and enhancing cardiac output. Recovery of right ventricular function was demonstrated by progressive hemodynamic improvement, as well as reduction of right-to-left intracardiac shunting and resolution of arterial hypoxemia.