Percutaneous closure of interatrial septal defects: mid-term follow-up results

OBJECTIVES
We evaluated short- and mid-term results of percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) using various closure devices.

STUDY DESIGN
The study included 278 patients (128 men, 150 women; mean age 39±12 years; range 17 to 66 years) who underwent percutaneous closure of secundum ASD (n=134) or PFO (n=144). All the patients were assessed by transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography before the procedure. Percutaneous closure was performed with the Amplatzer (n=180), Occlutech Figulla (n=92) or BioSTAR (n=6) devices. Closure of ASDs was performed under general anesthesia with TEE guidance, and closure of PFOs was performed under local anesthesia with TTE guidance. Follow-up controls were at 1, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter. The mean follow-up period was 35.1±24.6 months for ASD cases, and 24.9±15.5 months for PFO cases.

RESULTS
The mean device size was 20.2±5.6 mm for ASD cases and 24±2.9 mm for PFO cases. The mean procedural and fluoroscopy times were 28.4±6.1 min and 4.9±2.1 min for ASD closure, and 18.2±5.3 min and 3.6±1.2 min for PFO closure, respectively. Procedural device embolization occurred in only one patient. No recurrent embolic events occurred after PFO closure, and no residual shunts were seen after ASD closure. Device thrombosis developed in two patients during the procedure and in one patient at one-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION
Percutaneous closure of secundum ASDs and PFOs using the Amplatzer, Occlutech Figulla, and BioSTAR devices is an effective and safe treatment option.