Atrial Shunts

What you will learn

You will need TEE to exclude a patent foramen ovale or an atrial septal defect (ASD) as a potential cause of paradox embolism. What is the difference between a PFO and an ASD? Which modalities can you use to detect a PFO? Is a contrast study always necessary and how do you perform a good contrast study? When is ASD closure necessary and what is the role of 3D echo? This and much more is part of this chapter.