[The role of echocardiography in the percutaneous treatment of septal defects].

Mailing Address: Simone Rolim F. Fontes Pedra • – Av. Dr. Dante Pazzanese, 500 – 14o 04012-180 São Paulo, SP Brazil E-mail: [email protected] Received on 10/08/04 • Accepted on 03/30/05 In the last few years, percutaneous treatment of atrial and ventricular septal defects has developed signifi cantly, having been established as a feasible, safe and effective therapeutic modality. Echocardiography has a primary role in this scenario, identifying suitable candidates for the procedure, monitoring the device implantation and evaluating the rate of occlusion during follow-up. The available devices for percutaneous occlusion of septal defects have been progressively modifi ed and improved. Similarly, a great technological advancement has also occurred in the echocardiography area, such as the advent of high-resolution transesophageal multiplan probes, on and off-line three-dimensional (3-D echo) and intracardiac echocardiography.