Summary and Comparison of Atrial Septal Defect Closure Devices.

A large number of atrial septal defect (ASD) closure devices have been investigated in an attempt to develop a nonsurgical, transvenous method of occlusion of ASD. Some of the devices have been discontinued and several are in clinical trials at this time, but none are approved for general clinical use. There are no prospective, randomized clinical trials to compare the available devices. Based on separate clinical trials, the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of all devices appear similar. Considerations pertaining to the size of the device delivery sheath, ease of implantation, cost and availability are different with each of the devices; some devices have advantages in some aspects, and others with another. Approval by the regulatory authorities and larger clinical use with longer follow-up results may eventually determine the most appropriate device for a given clinical use.