The Rush to Atrial Septal Defect Closure: Is the Introduction of Percutaneous Closure Driving Utilization?

Nationwide utilization of ASD/PFO repair has increased over time, largely attributable to the dramatic rise in percutaneous closure. Despite the substantial increase in utilization, mortality has remained constant. In the absence of meaningful benchmarks, prospective studies comparing outcomes and criteria for surgical versus percutaneous closure are needed to determine whether the increased rates of ASD closure are justified.