Transcatheter closure of complex atrial septal defects: feasibility and mid-term results

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) is currently a reliable alternative to surgery, even though challenging in the case of complex septal anatomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and mid-term results of percutaneous closure of complex ASDs in a tertiary referral centre compared with simple ASD closure.

Between April 2000 and November 2004, 209 patients were submitted to transcatheter ASD closure; 83 patients (39.7%) presented with a complex defect (large ASDs with a deficient rim or a multifenestrated/aneurysmal septum) and were treated using different devices tailored to the atrial septal anatomy.

The transcatheter procedure was successful in 72 patients (86.8%), using a single device in 69 patients and two devices in the remaining three patients. Overall, 71 Amplatzer septal occluders, two multifenestrated Amplatzer septal occluders and two Cardioseal/Starflex devices were used. Procedural and fluoroscopy times were 141 +/- 45 min and 28 +/- 22 min, respectively (P < 0.0001 vs. simple ASD closure for both comparisons). Procedure-related complications were recorded in nine patients (12.5%) (P < 0.01 vs. simple ASD closure). One patient required surgical repair of a femoral arteriovenous fistula and another developed mitral valve dysfunction. Immediate ASD occlusion was recorded in 59.7% of patients, reaching 95.9% at the last follow-up control (P = NS vs. simple ASD closure for both comparisons).

Percutaneous closure of complex ASDs may be considered technically feasible, relatively safe and highly effective, although the procedure is still significantly more demanding than transcatheter closure of simple ASDs.