Peratrial closure of atrial septal defects without cardiopulmonary bypass

The objective of this study was to introduce a new technique for occlusion of an atrial septal defect without cardiopulmonary bypass, using a modified Amplatzer device. Between October 2004 and November 2005, 96 secundum atrial septal defects in 83 patients were occluded by this method. A 3-cm incision in the right 4(th) intercostal space and a minithoracotomy were performed. Via this incision, the right atrium was exposed and the septal closure device was deployed under transesophageal echocardiographic guidance. The sizes of the defects ranged from 10 to 39 mm. The mean device size was 34.1 +/- 9 mm (12-46 mm). There was no operative mortality and no major morbidity on follow-up of 3-15 months. This new minimally invasive method of secundum atrial septal defect closure is safe and cosmetically superior to conventional surgery. Avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass can reduce recovery time and complications. The indications are more extensive than percutaneous transcatheter closure, and the results are encouraging.