Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects in adults with the Amplatzer septal occluder: intermediate and long-term results.

AIMS: Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects (ASD) with the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) has become a standard procedure in most pediatric and adult patients. However, data addressing success rates and outcome in adults is limited. We sought to define the safety profile of the ASO in the community setting and identify the percentage of adults with ASD amenable to percutaneous closure with the ASO.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients' records referred for transcatheter ASD closure from 1999 through 2005 at a single institution. Patients were evaluated with right heart catheterization and underwent closure of the ASD according to standard indications under transesophageal and fluoroscopic guidance.

RESULTS: Two hundred and seven consecutive patients were taken to the catheterization laboratory for hemodynamic evaluation and possible interventional closure of an ASD. Of those patients, 18 were excluded because the defect and the left-to-right shunt were hemodynamically insignificant (n = 7) or because there was no distinct defect, but instead a multi-perforated septum (n = 11). Nineteen cases were excluded for anatomic reasons. Of the remaining 170 patients, ASO implantation was attempted and successfully performed in 166 (83% of 200 patients with hemodynamically significant ASD). Complications occurred in 11 cases (6.5%) (device dislocation = 4, transient ST-segment elevation = 4, TIA = 1, hemoptysis = 1, pericardial effusion = 1); none of these events were associated with long-term sequelae. During a median follow-up period of 13 months (range 6-80) there were no major clinical events.

CONCLUSIONS: More than 80% of adults with a distinct, hemodynamically significant secundum ASD can be successfully treated with the ASO. The immediate success rates are excellent and follow-up data suggest that the ASO is a safe device well suited for transcatheter ASD closure.