Impact of Gore Cardioform Atrial Septal Defect Occluder on Atrial and Ventricular Electromechanics in a Pediatric Population

Transcatheter closure is the first-line treatment for ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD). The GORE Cardioform ASD Occluder (GCA) is potentially innovative compared with other self-centering devices. This study aimed to compare the mechanic changes in atrial and ventricular properties before and after GCA implantation. All consecutive patients aged <18 years who underwent isolated ASD closure with a single GCA device were enrolled from 2 centers. Echocardiography and electrocardiogram were performed the day before, 24 hours, and 6 months after ASD closure. Between January 2020 and February 2021, 70 pediatric patients with ASD were enrolled. The mean age was 7.9 +/- 3.9 years, and the mean defect diameter was 17.1 +/- 4.5 mm. Global longitudinal strain analysis showed no change in left ventricular longitudinal function (T0 -23.2 +/- 2.8%, 24 hours -23.0 +/- 2.8%, and 6 months -23.5 +/- 2.7%). An early and transient reduction in longitudinal strain was detected in the basal septal segments (T0 -19.8 +/- 3.3%, 24 hours -18.7 +/- 3.6%, and 6 months -19.2 +/- 3.4%), left atrium (T0 41.4 +/- 15.3%, 29.2 +/- 1.4%, and 39.0 +/- 12.9%), and right ventricle (-27.6 +/- 5.4%, -23.6 +/- 5.0%, and -27.3 +/- 4.6) 24 hours after closure, secondary to hemodynamic changes because of flow redirection after ASD closure. Six months after the procedure, only the left atrium showed a mild global longitudinal strain reduction because of the presence of the device within the septum. GCA device had no impact on global and regional ventricular function. Atrial mechanics were preserved, except for the segments covered by the device. This is the first device demonstrating no impact on the left and right ventricular mechanics, irrespective of the device size.