Balloon atrial septostomy in the neonatal intensive care unit

In eight infants with complete transposition of the great arteries balloon atrial septostomy was performed in the neonatal intensive care unit solely under cross sectional echocardiographic control. One infant developed necrotising enterocolitis; otherwise there were no complications. This technique eliminates the need for radiographic screening during the procedure, is quick, and causes little disturbance to the infant who does not have to be removed from the incubator.