1 Guidance

1 Guidance

1.1 Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of endovascular closure of atrial septal defect appears adequate to support the use of this procedure provided that the normal arrangements are in place for consent, audit and clinical governance.

1.2 The procedure should be performed in units where there are arrangements for cardiac surgical support in the event of complications.

1.3 The Department of Health runs the UK Central Cardiac Audit Database (UKCCAD) and clinicians are encouraged to enter all patients onto this database.