title: Percutaneous stabilization of a Helex device following locking-loop fracture: a case report.
abstract: Though present in up to a quarter of adults a patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been implicated in a diverse range of medical conditions including cryptogenic stroke, migraine and decompression illness. A wide range of devices are available, each with different technical advantages that may favor particular anatomic features. We recently encountered a case of late-locking loop fracture following the use of a Helex septal occluder device (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Arizona) to close a PFO in a diver. This resulted in increased device mobility and continued interatrial shunting. Here we describe the successful stabilization of the original device by transcatheter insertion of a second, less compliant device through the residual atrial shunt.
authors.forename: Zaheer
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Gruschen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Veldtman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D003665:Decompression Sickness; D004242:Diving; D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*