Holzer Ralf, Hijazi Ziyad
The Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2008 Nov 15;72(6):848-52. doi: 10.1002/ccd.21708.
The majority of devices used to treat congenital cardiac lesions in the cardiac catheterization laboratory are used on an off-label basis. This article discusses the predicaments faced by the interventional cardiologist when implanting devices on an off-label basis, using procedural examples of PFO closure and endovascular stent placement. Strategies that may benefit patient and provider, as well as satisfying regulatory agencies are suggested.