An Amplatzer Septal Occluder is a device that is used to treat an atrial septal defect or ASD. An atrial septal defect is a hole in the wall that separates the upper chambers of the heart that are known as the atria. This allows blood to flow between the atria.

To use an Amplatzer device, a small incision is used to access an artery near the groin. A wire is inserted into the artery and is guided into the heart. A thin tube called a catheter is then passed over the guidewire into the heart. This catheter is passed through the defect. The catheter is then used to deploy a device called a Septal Occluder that flattens out on either side of the atrial septum and closes off the defect. Blood flow will no longer pass between the atria.

Label and layout changes are available upon request for this stock illustration.

Parent Topic: Amplatzer Septal Occluder
Topic Media ID: cvml_0460a