Up to now, transcatheter device closure of ostium primum atrial septal defects (ASD) was considered impossible due to the proximity of the AV valves. The authors report for the first time a successful case of catheter closure of an ostium primum septal defect using the Transcatheter Patch® (Custom Medical Devices - Athens, Greece). TST, male, 25 years old, 80 kg, with ASD with mitral cleft, with no significant regurgitation. After surgery in 2005, presented residual ASD of 16 mm. Refused new surgery. In December of 2007 was referred for attempted catheter closure. The procedure was done under general anesthesia and continuous monitoring using transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). The stretched diameter of the ASD measured 21 mm, obtained via occlusion of the defect with a CMD Sizing Balloon inflated with a 6 mL saline solution and contrast. Using a rigid guidewire introduced into the ascending aorta through the left ventricle, a Mullins 12 F sheath was positioned on the defect. An average-size patch was selected, polyethylene glycol surgical glue applied. It was mounted on a CMD Sizing Balloon and introduced through the long sheath. Then, the system was withdrawn, occluding the defect and expanding the patch. Keeping the system immobilized, the patient was referred to the intensive care unit. The balloon was withdrawn under fluoroscopy and TEE the following morning, leaving the patch adhering to the atrial septum. Control TEE showed that the ASD was completely closed. Further studies are needed to better establish the safety, efficacy and reproducibility of this technique.
Heart septal defects, atrial; Heart catheterization; Prostheses and implants
