Mid-Term Outcomes after Percutaneous Closure of the Secundum Atrial Septal Defect with the Figulla-Occlutech Device.

Objectives: To evaluate the mid-term outcomes after percutaneous closure of the secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) using the Figulla-Occlutech device (FOD).

Background: Transcatheter closure has become the method of choice for most patients with ASD. Although the FOD may have some advantageous characteristics there is a paucity of data on later outcomes after the use of this relatively new device.

Complex magnetic structure of clusters and chains of Ni and Fe on Pt(111).

We present an approach to control the magnetic structure of adatoms adsorbed on a substrate having a high magnetic susceptibility. Using finite Ni-Pt and Fe-Pt nanowires and nanostructures on Pt(111) surfaces, our ab initio results show that it is possible to tune the exchange interaction and magnetic configuration of magnetic adatoms (Fe or Ni) by introducing different numbers of Pt atoms to link them, or by including edge effects. The exchange interaction between Ni (or Fe) adatoms on Pt(111) can be considerably increased by introducing Pt chains to link them.

Percutaneous versus surgical closure of atrial septal defects in children and adolescents.

Background: There is a scarcity of data comparing percutaneous and surgical closure of the secundum atrial septal defect (ASD).

Objectives: Assessment of safety and efficacy of both methods of treatment in a referral center affiliated with the Ministry of Health.

Methods: Observational, prospective, non-randomized study of two cohorts of children and adolescents younger than 14 years, treated by catheterization or surgery.