OBJECTIVES
The possibility of creating an interatrial communication in cardiopathies with high pressure of the left atrium facilitates medical management and improves the postoperative prognosis. The aim of this report is to describe our experience in these procedures using Nykanen radiofrequency catheter and stenting.

METHODS
A retrospective study reviewing four patients’ records who had undergone the procedure from May 2006-Oct 2008. The indication was mitral stenosis in three cases and ventricle dysfunction in one. The mean age was 3, 5 months (3 days old- 4, 5 months); mean weight was 3, 6 Kg (2, 5-4, 5 Kg). The procedure was performed with transesophageal echocardiographic guidance with an intracardiac probe (10F Acunav). An average of 4, 5 pulses at 8 watts were delivered depending on septum thickness. The stents implanted were 5x18 mm Herculink stents (2), 4x12 mm Herculink stent, and 2, 5 x 12 mm Micro-Driver stent.

RESULTS
Success was obtained in all four cases with a decrease in the left atrium pressure; postprocedure echocardiograms showed no pericardial effusions and no interference with atrioventricular valve function or venous inflow to the atrium.In three the stent was removed in later surgery (mean time to explantation of 10 days), and the orifice diameter was conserved with no evidence of thrombus. One patient died 1,5 months after the procedure in multiorganic failure.

CONCLUSIONS
In our experience radiofrequency atrioseptostomy stenting of the atrial septum is safe and effective. This permits control of the orifice size, and can be performed beyond the neonatal period.