Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect using Amplatzer septal occluder in Chinese adults

Amplatzer septal occluder (AGA Med. Co., USA) is a novel device for occlusion of atrial septal defect. We present our experience of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects using Amplatzer septal occluder in 45 adult Chinese patients (age range 18-69 years). The size of atrial septal defect varied from 14-28 (23 +/- 4) mm. Cardiac catheterization revealed a pulmonary-to-systemic shunt ratio ranging from 1.4-2.8 (mean 2.0 +/- 0.4). The procedure was successful in 44 (98%) patients. Displacement of the device requiring surgical removal occurred in one (2%) patient and minor wound complication occurred in two (4%) patients. Total procedure time was 67 +/- 16 minutes and the fluoroscopy time was 25 +/- 8 min. Immediate post-procedure and pre-discharge echocardiography revealed complete abolition of shunt in 42 (93%) and trivial residual shunt in 3 (7%) patients. The average follow-up period was 16 +/- 6 months (range 2 months to 3 years) months. None of the patients had developed other major complication at follow-up. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;52:373-377.