Transcatheter Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defects Using the Amplatzer Septal Occluder: Initial Experience in Taiwan

We assessed the safety and efficacy of closure of secundum-type atrial septal defects (ASDs) using the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) in a sample of Taiwanese patients. Between June 2000 and April 2002, 25 patients underwent transcatheter closure of their secundum-type atrial septal defect/s using the ASO device. The procedures were performed under general anesthesia with access through the femoral vein using guidance provided by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. Twenty-two patients had larger defects with right cardiac dilatation and paradoxical interventricular septal motion, while family concerns were the primary indications for closure for the other three. Twenty-five ASO devices were successfully implanted in 24 patients, with a lone individual referred for surgery due to implantation failure. The mean age of the patients was 12.5 years. The male-female ratio was 12:13. The mean pulmonary-systemic blood flow ratio (Qp:Qs) was 2.5:1. The ASD size (mean 20.2 mm; range 8–28.5) was measured using transoesophageal echocardiography, with a balloon-stretched diameter of 8–29.5 mm (mean 20.5). The size of the implanted devices ranged from 9–36 mm (mean 23.1). Fluoroscopy duration ranged from 9.7–41.2 minutes (mean 23.5). A residual shunt, assessed not significant from transoesophageal echocardiography, was detected in one patient who had received two ASO devices for multiple ASDs. Follow-up intervals ranged from 0.1–2 years (median 1.0), with no late complications determined for any patient. Transcatheter closure of secundum ASDs using the Amplatzer septal occluder is a safe and effective alternative to the surgical analog. With careful selection of patients, secundum ASDs can be successfully closed, with minimal procedural morbidity and excellent early results. Long-term follow up is necessary for evaluation, however, if this procedure is to be as effective as surgery.