Patients FAQs and Answers

Q: How successful is the procedure?
Q: How long will the procedure take?
Q: Will I experience pain after the procedure?
Q: Will I be able to feel the device?
Q: How long will I be in the hospital for?
Q: Will I need to take medications after the procedure?
Q: When can I resume normal activities?
Q: What happens to the INTRASEPT device once it gets implanted?
Q: Can I have an MRI after the procedure?
Q: Can I go through metal detectors without setting of an alarm?
Q: Can I have this procedure if I am pregnant?
Q: What is the connection between PFO’s (Patent Foramen Ovale) and Migraine headaches?

For additional questions, please Contact Us.

Q: How successful is the procedure?      top
A: The procedure of ATRIASEPT or INTRASEPT implantation is very simple and successful. In studies nearly 99% of ATRIASEPT or INTRASEPT implantations were successful.

Q: How long will the procedure take?      top
A: The procedure usually takes about 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Q: Will I experience pain after the procedure?      top
A: You may have some tenderness in your groin at the site of the catheter insertion. Your throat may also feel sore if a TEE (imaging probe) was used during the procedure. In both cases, the pain will only last a couple of days at the most.

Q: Will I be able to feel the device?      top
A: No, you will not be able to feel the device.

Q: How long will I be in the hospital for?      top
A: The majority of patients that have this procedure go home the same day the procedure takes place although some patients may need to stay overnight.

Q: Will I need to take medications after the procedure?      top
A: Your doctor or nurse will discuss medications with you before you leave the hospital. You will be prescribed a medication to prevent blood clots from forming, such as Aspirin and Clopidogrel for at least six months following the procedure. Additional follow-up will be discussed by your doctor.

Q: When can I resume normal activities?      top
A: You should take it easy for at least one month after the procedure, even though you will probably feel ready to resume normal activity. Strenuous activity should especially be avoided for the first month following the procedure.

Q: What happens to the ATRIASEPT or INTRASEPT device once it gets implanted?      top
A: ATRIASEPT and INTRASEPT devices are designed to permanently stay in your body. Overtime, heart tissue grows over the implant.

Q: Can I have an MRI after the procedure?      top
A: Yes, you can have an MRI after the procedure. The Intrasept device is MRI compatible.

Q: Can I go through metal detectors without setting of an alarm?      top
A: Neither the ATRIASEPT nor INTRASEPT device should not set off metal detectors. A patient ID card is given to those who have the device, stating they have device, if any questions should arise.

Q: Can I have this procedure if I am pregnant?      top
A: Yes, you can have this procedure if you are pregnant but it is up to your doctor to weigh the risk of increased x-ray exposure to the potential benefits of this procedure.

Q: What is the connection between PFO’s (Patent Foramen Ovale) and Migraine headaches?      top
A: It has been found that 50% of people who suffer from Migraine headaches also have a PFO (Patent Foreman Ovale). Additional research is currently being conducted on this connection.