BACKGROUND: The authors's early experience with Atriasept-CARDIA TM for the closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) is reported. Procedural implant technique is described and some technical aspects of this new device are analyzed. METHODS: Selection criteria included defects with static diameter up to 15 mm on transesophageal echocardiography, without significant pulmonary hypertension, in absence of other congenital cardiac defects requiring surgical therapy. RESULTS: From May 2007 to December 2008, eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were submitted to percutaneous closure. Catheter closure was possible in all cases. Device diameters were 12 mm in two cases, 14 mm in one, 20 mm in two and 22 mm in three. Two second generation devices were utilized in two cases, third generation devices in five and fourth generation device in one. Follow-up time varied from 2 to 20 months (12.6 ± 6.6 months). There were no deaths or major complications. One patient presented a small residual shunt immediately after procedure that was completely closed at the 6-month follow-up transesophageal echo-cardiography. CONCLUSIONS: ASD closure with the Atriasept-CARDIA TM ASD device showed to be safe and effective, although more technically demanding. Modifications implemented in the device were all beneficial, especially the ones in the fourth generation rounded device (daisydevice). They made the device easy to charge and less traumatic to cardiac structures. Despite the encouraging results obtained, considering the small number of cases, and the diversity of devices used, further studies are required to accurately establish safety and effectiveness of this new device that seems to be an excellent alternative to the nitinol cage larger devices.
Heart septal defects, atrial; Heart catheterization; Prostheses and implants; Echocardiography
