Balloon Atrial Septostomy (Rashkind Procedure)

Balloon Atrial Septostomy (Rashkind Procedure)

In the balloon atrial septostomy (Rashkind procedure), a balloon-tipped catheter is advanced into the left atrium through the patent foramen ovale. The balloon is inflated and abruptly withdrawn to the right atrium thereby enlarging the opening in the atrial septum. The procedure allows oxygen-rich blood to reach the body.