Successful Usage of FlexCath Steerable Catheter in Case of Atrial Septal Closure Device Comes Perpendicular to Interatrial Septum

OBJECTIVE
Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects is challenging in cases where the device is perpendicular to the septum during the procedure. Hence, different techniques, maneuvers, and auxiliary equipment may be required. We aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the FlexCath steerable catheter application in percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect cases in
which the device was perpendicular to the septum.

METHODS
Patients with atrial septal defect who presented to our clinic between January 2017 and December 2020 and were deemed eligible for percutaneous closure were included in the study.

RESULTS
Atrial septal defects of 101 patients out of 110 patients were successfully closed using standard methods. Nine patients in whom it was seen if the device was perpendicular to the interatrial septum were successfully closed with FlexCath steerable catheter support. There was no statistically significant difference between patients in terms of age, gender, floopy rim, and multiple defects. In the group that was treated with FlexCath steerable catheter support, the aortic rim was smaller, and the defect diameter and the size of the atrial septal defects device were larger. The success of the procedure was 100% while using the flexcath steerable catheter in patients with the device perpendicular to the interatrial septum. There were no complications during the procedure.

CONCLUSION
Percutaneous closure with FlexCath steerable catheter support in difficult cases with atrial septal defects was effective in those with the atrial septal closure device being perpendicular to the interatrial septum and was performed easily without any safety issues.