Percutaneous Closure of Small Ostium secundum Atrial Septal Defects

Background:

Small atrial septal defects are usually well tolerated in childhood but may present problems later in life. The percutaneous occlusion of such defects is safe and presents very low risk, but is questioned. This manuscript was aimed at evaluating the results of the percutaneous occlusion of small defects and patients’ mid-term follow-up.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of percutaneous closure procedures performed in patients with ostium secundum atrial septal defects whose static diameters were ≤ 6 mm.

Results:

From November 2003 to March 2014, procedures performed in 34 patients were evaluated. Of these, 22 were female, with ages ranging from 2 to 60 years. The static diameters ranged between 2 to 6 mm and a mean increase of 55% was observed after balloon sizing. Implants were feasible in all of the cases and each patient received one device, of different types and brands. There were no deaths and all patients had their defects completely closed. There was only one minor complication during the procedure and a major complication 4 months after the procedure in another patient.

Conclusions:

The percutaneous closure of small ostium secundum atrial septal defects was safe and effective. The good results of occlusion procedures suggest that the use of devices may be considered the treatment of choice for ostium secundum atrial septal defects ≤ 6 mm.

Heart septal defects, atrial; Cardiac catheterization; Septal occluder device; Prostheses and implants