[Initial experience in percutaneous closure of interatrial communication with the amplatzer device].

PURPOSE: To evaluate our initial experience with percutaneous closure of secundum type atrial septal defects (ASD) with the Amplatzer septal occluder.

METHODS

Seven patients underwent occlusion by anterograde approach, under general anesthesia and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance. One child had 2 ASD and a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The ASD size ranged from 8.7 to 20 mm as measured by TEE. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed in the morning after the procedure.

RESULTS

Eight devices were successfully implanted in 7 patients and the PDA was occluded with a Gianturco coil at the same session. In this patient, there was an episode of supraventricular tachycardia during the occlusion of one ASD which was reverted with adenosin. All patients were discharged the day after, with complete occlusion of all defects.

CONCLUSION

The procedure is safe, effective and versatile. It can be applied as an initial alternative to the treatment of selected patients with ASD.