[Percutaneous transcatheter closure for secundum atrial septal defect].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of transcatheter closure treatment for secundum atrial septal defect(ASD).

Methods: ASD was established by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and transvenous cardiac catheterization. A balloon catheter was inserted at ASD and was inflated to measure the ASD stretched diameter. Then, a long sheath was inserted to the left atrium (LA) from the right atrium( RA), Thereafter a proper auto-expanded atrial septal occluder (ASO) was inserted to the tip of the sheath. Under the fluoroscopic and TTE guidance, the ASO was expanded. Once the position of ASO was optimal, it was released.

Results: From May 1999 to July 2002, 32 patients were treated with this method. Among them, 28 patients (87.5%) obtained satisfactory results. At the end of the operation, TTE could not find out any residual shunt. Before discharging the patients, TTE showed the diameter of the right atrium and the right ventricle were decreased from (39.4 +/- 5.8) mm to (33.7 +/- 4.2) mm and from (45.3 +/- 6.8) mm to (37.1 +/- 4.5) mm respectively (P < 0.001 for both). The operation failed in 4 patients (12.5%). Two patients did not get proper ASO for them in the early period of our work. ASO slipped off from the defects in another 2 patients during the operation. There were no other complications.

Conclusion: Tanscatheter closure is suitable for most patients with ASD. It is safe and less invasive with few complications.