Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects without balloon sizing in adults: Experience of a tertiary referral center

Objective: We aimed to evaluate our clinical experienceand short-term results of percutaneous closure of secundumtype atrial septal defects (ASD) in adults.Methods: We studied 71 patients (49 female, 22 male,mean age 35±14 years) undergoing percutaneous closureof ASD between January 2010-October 2012 in ourclinic. All procedures were performed under sedoanalgesiawithout balloon sizing. Clinical characteristics of patients,properties of percutaneous closure intervention,complications and short-term results are evaluated.Results: Defect diameter measured by transesophagealechocardiographic examination was 19.8±6.4 mm. Devicesize used for percutaneous closure was 24.7±6.7mm. Procedure was successfully performed in 67 patients(94%). Four patients were referred for surgery because ofprocedural failure. During procedure, a patient developedtransient 2nd degree AV block, and another developeddevice thrombosis. Residual shunt was detected in threepatients at first day control echocardiographic examination.In the follow-up of 13±8 months, no residual shunt,embolic or arrhythmic complications were observed.Conclusion: Percutaneous closure of secundum ASD isa safe and effective method with high success and lowcomplication rates in experienced centers. J Clin Exp Invest2013; 4 (1): 67-72Key words: Secundum atrial septal defect, percutaneousclosure, sedoanalgesia, transesophageal echocardiography