Population-Based Study on Epidemiological Trends in Interventions for Congenital Heart Disease in Korea Using Nationwide Big Data

Abstract

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common birth defects globally, and catheter-based interventions have become essential in its management. However, nationwide epidemiological data on CHD interventions remain limited. This study aims to analyze nationwide epidemiological trends in catheter-based CHD interventions among pediatric and adult populations in Korea.

Methods: We analyzed the National Health Insurance Service database from 2002 to 2018 to identify patients who underwent catheter-based interventions for CHD.

Results: A total of 18,800 CHD interventions were performed during the study period, with female patients accounting for 60.4% of cases. The most common intervention was atrial septal defect (ASD) device closure (35.3%), followed by patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) device closure (29.5%), balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, and balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Intervention patterns varied by age, with PDA device closure being most frequent in infants and children, while ASD device closure dominated among adults. The overall number of CHD interventions increased significantly over the study period, with a marked rise among adults following the inclusion of ASD closure in national health insurance coverage in 2009.

Conclusions: CHD interventions in Korea have increased substantially over time, with a notable shift toward adult patients. ASD device closure was the most frequently performed procedure, especially after its inclusion in national health insurance coverage. These findings highlight the growing need for adult CHD care and underscore the critical role of healthcare policies in shaping intervention trends.