Transcatheter device closure of atrial septal defects guided completely by transthoracic echocardiography: A single cardiac center experience with 152 cases

Objective: This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of transcatheter device closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) guided completely by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).
Methods: A total of 152 patients underwent transcatheter device closure of ASDs guided completely by TTE in our center from September 2014 to June 2017. We used routine delivery sheaths during the procedure and then closed the ASDs by releasing a domestic occluder.
Results: The closure was successful in 150 patients, and surgical repair was required in two patients. The size of the deployed occluder ranged from 10 mm to 38 mm (21.4±8.5 mm), and the procedure duration ranged from 30 to 90 min (38.2±21.4 min). No fatal complications were observed. Minor complications included transient arrhythmias (n=12) during the process of device deployment. The follow-up period was 3 months to 2 years, with no occluder dislodgment, residual fistula, or thrombus-related complications. In our comparative studies, no statistically significant differences were observed in success rates and complications.
Conclusion: Transcatheter device closure of ASDs guided completely by TTE may be safe and effective and can be an alternative to traditional methods.