[Echo-cardiography-guided occlusion of ventricular septal defect via small chest incision].

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative utility of echocardiographic technology in occlusion of ventricular septal defect (VSD) via small chest incision.

METHODS

We performed occlusion of VSD via small chest incision in 446 children. Before surgery, a multiple-section transthoracic echo-cardiogram (TTE) was employed to evaluate various parameters (including the size, position, and type) of the VSD region as well as the condition of neighboring tissues. During surgery we reassured the size of the occluder, meanwhile, guiding placement of the occluder by transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Patients also received postoperative follow-ups at regular intervals.

RESULTS

Out of the 446 VSD cases, the defects of 412 patients were successfully closed; a 92.4% successful rate. All patients received follow-ups one year after operation. The occluders had stayed firmly and echoed clearly. No notable residual shunt or valve regurgitation was discovered.

CONCLUSION

During occlusion of VSD via small chest incision, echo-cardiogram technology (including TTE and TEE) can play a vital role by helping screen cases preoperatively, by guiding the closure intraoperatively, and by evaluating therapeutic efficacy postoperatively, providing relatively accurate and accountable results at all stages.