Description of the Procedure Your child will receive IV fluid
and medicines through a vein in his arm. The catheter (small
tube) will be inserted either in the arm or groin. Next,
electrodes will be placed on the chest. These electrodes will
send information to the EKG machine, allowing the doctor to
monitor the heart. A catheter will be inserted in the blood
vessel and advanced so the end is in the heart. Dye will be
injected to allow the doctor to view x-ray images of the heart.
An echocardiogram may also be used. Before the hole can be
covered, the doctor will need to find out the size of the hole.
A catheter with a balloon attached to it will be sent to the
upper chambers of the heart. The balloon will inflate and
measure the hole. Once the doctor knows the size of the defect,
another catheter will be sent to the heart. This catheter will
have a device attached. There are different types of devices
available. Some are able to open so that the hole is covered on
both sides. Other devices open like an umbre