The apparatus for closure of atrial septal defects includes a sheath having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the sheath defining a lumen extending therethrough, a handle positioned in communicating relation with the proximal portion of the sheath, and a balloon positioned in communicating relation the distal portion of the sheath. The distal portion of the sheath can include a soft tip having at least one hole defined therein. The handle can have a bidirectional control configured for controlling or deflecting the direction of the distal portion of the sheath by at least 90 degrees to aid in positioning and aligning the balloon, as well as an occlusion device into the ASD. The balloon, such as a sizing balloon, can measure the size of the ASD within the interatrial septum of a heart of a patient.
