Haemodynamic effects of balloon atrial septostomy in infants with transposition of the great arteries.

The changes in systemic arterial oxygen saturation and interatrial mean pressure difference as a consequence of balloon atrial septostomy in 75 infants with transposition of the great arteries have been reported. The technique is effective in raising the arterial oxygen saturation and lowering the interatrial pressure difference. There was no relation between survival and the arterial oxygen saturation after septostomy. However, there was a suggestive relation between the occurrence of cerebrovascular accidents and arterial desaturation. This underlines the needfor early corrective roperation in infants with transposition of the great arteries.