[Balloon atrioseptostomy in 2-dimensional echocardiography].

Two-dimensional echocardiography allows complete evaluation of transposition of the great arteries including additional malformations. Pressure recordings and oxymetry are without indicative value in sick and hypoxic neonates and cardiac catheterization is therefore merely therapeutic (balloon atrial septostomy). In addition balloon atrial septostomy can be performed under echocardiographic control only. This procedure saves time and costs, avoids the risks of X-ray exposure and angiocardiography and can safely be performed in the pediatric intensive care unit. Five newborn babies with transposition of the great arteries were treated with this method.