Clinical evaluation of percutaneous and intra-operative device closure of atrial septal defects under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance: one center experience and mid-term follow-up

Objective The percutaneous closure of a single secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) under transesophageal echocardiography guidance as an accepted alternative to the transcatheter closure with fluoroscopy has been proven. However, the technique has not been routinely used. This study was to present and share our experience in comparing the clinical outcomes of the percutaneous and intra-operative device closure (IODC) of atrial septal defects without fluoroscopy. Methods From January 2013 to December 2016, 103 patients with maximum diameters of ASD of less than 30 mm were allocated to groups taking either the percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects approach (PASD group, n = 53) or the intra-operative device closure approach (IODC Group, n = 50). They were operated on using the minimally invasive Amplatzer duct occluder under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography without cardiopulmonary bypass. Echocardiography was performed to obtain an en face view of the ASD and important surrounding structures before the operation. Patient characteristics, perioperative data, and follow-up data were retrospectively documented and analyzed. Results Patient characteristics were comparable between the two groups. These were no differences in the maximum diameters of defects and the size of the occluders in each group (16.4 +/- 5.3 mm vs16.4 +/- 5.2 mm, P = 0.98; 22.4 +/- 5.8 mm vs 21.3 +/- 6.6 mm, P = 0.38). Intracardiac manipulation time was 20.72 +/- 7.70 min in the PASD group and 6.01 +/- 1.03 min in the IODC group (P < 0.001). The procedure time was 28.70 +/- 10.41 min in the PASD group and 39.13 +/- 6.03 min in the IODC group (P < 0.001). The successful closure defect was 100% in both groups when the maximum diameter of defect less than 25 mm. Four patients the PASD groups with maximum diameters between 25 mm and 30 mm were transferred to the IOCD group after unsuccessful device implantations. The total occlusion rate was 82% immediately after deployment, 98% at 3 months, and 100% at 6 months. No cardiac-related complications occurred during the follow-up period of between 3 to 65 months (mean 21.4 +/- 9.8 months). Conclusions Percutaneous device closures of Secundum atrial septal defects showed safety and high efficiency in patients under guidance by transesophageal echocardiography when compared with intra-operative device closures and are especially suited for women and children.