Non-fluoroscopic percutaneous transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects in children under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance

BACKGROUND: This study sought to investigate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in children. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent percutaneous ASD closure at our center from August 2016 to December 2017. For a total of 88 patients who were identified as having a single-hole defect and were undergoing percutaneous transcatheter ASD closure, a procedure completely guided by TEE was performed. There were 31 male patients and 57 female patients. The patients’ mean age was 60.09 ± 36.42 months (13–182 months), and their mean body weight was 20.16 ± 10.04 kg (9–77 kg). Patients were followed up by performing transthoracic echocardiography and obtaining chest X-rays and electrocardiograms. RESULTS: The transcatheter closure of ASDs was successful in all patients. The mean ASD size was 11.58 ± 5.31 mm (3–28 mm), and the mean size of the occlusion device was 16.07 ± 5.29 mm (6–36 mm). The mean procedural times were 13.33 ± 2.82 minutes (6–16 minutes). The mean hospitalization costs were 27,259.66 ± 2507.04 RMB (25,200.00–33,911.45 RMB). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.22 ± 0.53 days (3–5 days). Residual shunt, occlusion device shedding or displacement, and pericardial effusion were not observed during or after the operation. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous transcatheter ASD closure completely guided by TEE is a feasible, safe, non-invasive and easy procedure.