Catheter closure of perforated secundum atrial septal defect under intracardiac echocardiographic guidance using a single amplatzer device: feasibility of a new method.

OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the feasibility and effectiveness of perforated secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs) transcatheter closure. This study tested whether this type of fenestration can be percutaneously closed using a single Amplatzer PFO or Cribriform Occluder device in a patch-like fashion under intracardiac echocardiographic (ICE) guidance and monitoring.

METHODS: Twenty-four adult patients with perforated ASDs underwent transcatheter single Amplatzer PFO or Cribriform Occluder device closure by using ICE as the primary imaging tool, both for crossing the flap valve and monitoring each stage of the procedure. The entire atrial septum and fossa ovalis end diastolic dimensions on 2 orthogonal ICE planes, as well as the distance between the eccentric guidewire passage and the more adjacent rim of the fossa ovalis on the longitudinal ICE plane, have been measured.

RESULTS: On the basis of the ICE fossa ovalis size and its geometric evaluation, in order to completely cover the fossa ovalis with a single device, 2 Amplatzer PFO Occluders 25 mm, 9 Amplatzer PFO Occluders 35 mm, and 13 Amplatzer Cribriform Occluders (four 25 mm and nine 35 mm) have been implanted successfully. During follow-up (31.4, 7.2 months), complete closure by contrast echo color Doppler occurred in 16/24 (67%) patients after 24 hours, 19/24 (79%) after 1 mouth, 20/24 (83%) after 3 months, 22/24 (92%) after 1 year, and 23/24 (96%) after 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter closure of perforated ASDs using a single Amplatzer Occluder device under ICE guidance appears to be a suitable procedure, providing a low rate of residual shunting.