Entering the left atrium from the right atrium via the atrial septum can result in an iatrogenic atrial septal defect.
Risk factors:
(1) repeated procedures across the atrial septum
(2) prolonged procedure across the atrial septum
(3) performing a cryoprocedure
(4) accidental advance of a central venous catheter into the right atrium
(5) inexperienced interventional cardiologist
Diagnosis requires:
(1) no evidence of previous atrial septal defect
(2) no other explanation that can explain the defect better
A small defect can be closed by a percutaneous procedure.
