Balloon atrial septostomy (BAS)

What is Balloon atrial septostomy (BAS)?

Balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) is a procedure used to treat newborns with certain congenital heart defects, such as transposition of the great arteries. During the procedure, a small balloon is inflated in the atrial septum to create or enlarge an opening, allowing for better blood flow.

Risks of balloon atrial septostomy:

A balloon atrial septostomy is considered a low-risk procedure. The risks may depend on your baby’s overall health.

Risks include:

- Bruising at the groin
- Blood clot
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Arrhythmia (arrhythmia refers to a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat)
- Stroke (children not having a septostomy are also at risk of stroke).

Pre-procedure:

Newborns must be fasting (not be fed) before the procedure is done. It is possible to save breastmilk to feed your baby later. If your newborn is not already on a breathing machine, the medical team looking after your baby will arrange for this so that the procedure can be done safely.

Pain measures:

our baby will receive pain medication and sedation before and during the procedure.

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