Balloon Dilatation of Cor Triatriatum

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Balloon Dilatation of Cor Triatriatum

Cor Triatriatum is a rare defect, which is present from birth. In this condition there is an extra band of tissue in the right atrium which obstructs the passage of blood from the venous system into the right atrium. In time signs of fatigue, exercise intolerance and abdominal fluid accumulation can occur.

Balloon dilatation involves passing a specially designed catheter via the vein in the back leg (‘keyhole’ surgery) into the heart and through the obstruction in the right atrium. This balloon is then inflated to stretch the band of tissue, allowing it to dilate. A number of contrast studies (angiograms) are performed prior to balloon dilatation to check the size of the defect and whether other concurrent defects are present.

The Veterinary Cardiorespiratory Centre is the only Specialist centre in the UK to have performed balloon dilatation and to have published a scientific paper on successful interventional treatment of this condition. Although the numbers treated have been small, the success rate has been very good.

·  Prior to referral please ensure your vet performs a thorough health check to confirm your pet is free of any infections including fleas and if present these should be treated so that surgery can proceed without compromising sterility.

·  Please bath your pet shortly before the day of the operation.

·  Before recommending balloon valvuloplasty, a thorough ultrasound scan by our cardiologist is necessary to check the severity of the condition and to obtain measurements to assist in the decision of what size balloon catheter is required. We also double-check for any other concurrent defects.

·  A follow-up scan by our cardiologist will be performed the day after surgery to measure the degree of success of the procedure. A follow-up scan is also important 6 to 12 months later, for which there will be an additional charge.