New developments in intracardiac and intravascular devices for congenital heart disease.

Techniques of transcatheter device placement for treatment of pediatric congenital heart disease have developed substantially since their introduction 20 years ago. Patent ductus arteriosus occlusion can be accomplished by umbrella deployment or coil placement. Intracardiac defects can be closed with umbrella or buttoned devices. Stenoses of vessels or conduits that are only temporarily relieved with balloon dilation can be effectively expanded with intravascular stents. Recent procedural modifications have been introduced in an attempt to minimize the size of the delivery sheath and reduce complications that can arise from device embolization. Transcatheter device placement can be an important adjunct to surgery for correction or palliation of congenital heart lesions.