Biotextiles as medical implants

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is the third most common form of congenital heart disease and is often only diagnosed in adulthood. The chapter describes different forms of ASD with their symptoms and diagnoses and methods that have historically been used to repair them. Transcatheter ASD repair technology is explained and the construction and functioning of a variety of devices is described, with particular reference to the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of textile components. The chapter concludes with an overview of recent developments.