PFO "angioplasty": The preparation of a very stiff and long tunnel for device closure.

Introduction: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is a widely performed procedure. Understanding the anatomy is mandatory in order to perform the procedure successfully. The degree of overlap between the septum primum and secundum is called the tunnel.

Percutaneous treatment of aortic isthmus atresia: use of radiofrequency perforation and covered stents.

Background: Limited data exists in the literature concerning the percutaneous treatment of complete aortic isthmus atresia.

Patients And Methods: Between January 2007 and November 2010, 40 subjects underwent percutaneous treatment of aortic coarctation in our catheterization laboratory. Four out of 40 had aortic isthmus atresia with complete interruption.

Aortic coarctation complicated by wall aneurysm: the role of covered stents.

Objectives: To evaluate the management of aneurysms associated with aortic coarctation by covered stent deployment.

Background: Aortic aneurysm formation complicating aortic coarctation carries a risk of rupture with high mortality rate. Surgical repair has a significant mortality and may be associated with central nervous system injury, including paraplegia.