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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Technical considerations for closing secundum atrial septal defect in the small child with the HELEX Septal Occluder
Alexander J Javois1, Andrew H Van Bergen, Tarek S Husayni
1The Heart Institute for Children, Advocate Hope Children's Hospital, Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453, USA. alexjavois@thic.com
Insights
Closure of atrial septal defect in a small child was achieved using the HELEX Septal Occluder via a transhepatic approach. This minimally invasive technique offers a viable option for pediatric cardiac interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are common congenital heart abnormalities.
- Symptomatic ASDs in pediatric patients often require intervention.
- Transcatheter closure is an alternative to surgical repair.
Observation:
- A 4.6 kg child with a symptomatic atrial septal defect was treated.
- The HELEX Septal Occluder device was utilized for defect closure.
- A transhepatic approach was employed for device delivery.
Findings:
- Successful closure of the atrial septal defect was achieved.
- The HELEX Septal Occluder proved effective in this pediatric case.
- The transhepatic route facilitated device deployment.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the feasibility of transhepatic closure of ASDs in small children.
- The HELEX device is a potential option for pediatric transcatheter interventions.
- Further research into transhepatic approaches for pediatric cardiac defects is warranted.
Abstract:
We describe closure of an atrial septal defect in a symptomatic 4.6 kg child with the HELEX Septal Occluder (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) via transhepatic approach. Technical considerations are discussed.
