New developments in the transcatheter treatment of congenital heart disease.
OBJECTIVE
This review summarizes recent developments in the field of interventional paediatric cardiology. This is a rapidly evolving field with many new techniques that have been optimized or introduced during the past few years.


RESULTS
Important new data have emerged on the device closure of atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus. The technology has been improved further and more results on complications and problems have become available. New technical developments in the treatment of stenosis of the pulmonary arteries and the aorta, such as the use of cutting balloons and (covered) stents, have resulted in new treatment options for congenital disorders that were not considered suitable for percutaneous treatment. Fascinating emerging technologies such as percutaneous aortic and pulmonary valve implantations have been introduced and the first results have been reported. Changes in imaging technology such as intracardiac echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging affect interventional cardiology. These changes result in a new approach to congenital heart disease in which hybrid surgical and interventional procedures are used to treat complex disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Interventional congenital cardiology is a rapidly growing field that offers new treatment options for patients with congenital heart disease.
Mertens
Luc
L
Department of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. luc.mertens@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
Budts
Werner
W