History of the Development of Atrial Septal Occlusion Devices.

In this review, historical developments related to transcatheter occlusion of atrial septal defects (ASDs) are discussed. Since the initial description by King of transvenous closure of secundum ASDs in the mid 1970s, a variety of double disc and single disc devices have been designed and tested in animal models and human subjects. Feasibility, safety, and effectiveness have been demonstrated. Further developments are likely to result in the availability of device closure technology to all patient subsets.